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Legal Side of Body Armours

Canadian map looks like a rhino, that is where CANARMOR logo came from
In Canada, regulations governing the possession and purchase of body armour vary by province and territory. As of March 7, 2025, the following updated regulations apply:

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.

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INCIDENT GUARANTEE

In the event that your body armour vest or panel saves your life, we will replace it at no cost as long as an official police report of the incident is provided.

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