General Provision for PAL/RPAL Holders:
- Across all provinces and territories, individuals possessing a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or Restricted PAL (RPAL) are permitted to own body armour.
- The possession of body armour is often seen as an additional safety measure for firearm owners, providing extra protection.
- The PAL/RPAL system ensures that those purchasing body armour have undergone background checks and met criteria related to firearm ownership.
Unrestricted Provinces (Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia):
- Individuals may possess body armour without a permit if they hold a valid firearms license issued under the Firearms Act (Canada).
- There are no specific regulations restricting the possession of any kind of body armour.
Alberta:
- The Body Armour Control Act, enacted in June 2012, requires individuals acquiring body armour to obtain a permit, unless exempted (e.g., police officers).
- Anyone possessing body armour was required to obtain a permit by December 15, 2012, or dispose of the body armour. Possession without a permit became a chargeable offense after this deadline.
- Reference: Alberta’s Body Armour Control Act
British Columbia:
- Under the Body Armour Control Act and Regulation, individuals must have a permit to possess body armour, or a valid PAL/RPAL license.
- Businesses selling body armour to individuals without a permit may face fines and jail time, while individuals possessing body armour without a permit could also face penalties.
- Reference: British Columbia’s Body Armour Control Act
Manitoba:
- Regulations in Manitoba require individuals to obtain a permit to possess body armour unless exempted. Sellers of body armour must have a license, and buyers must have a valid PAL/RPAL.
- Reference: Manitoba Bill 14
New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, and North-West Territories:
- A special license is required to purchase and possess body armour in these provinces and territories. Sellers must have a license, and buyers must possess a valid PAL/RPAL.
Nova Scotia:
- Special licensing may be required to purchase and possess body armour. Sellers must have a license, and buyers must possess a valid PAL/RPAL.
- Reference: Nova Scotia Bill #32
Canadian Armour Ltd. (o/a: CANARMOR) recommends consulting local authorities to confirm specific regulations before purchasing body armour, as regulations are subject to change.
