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Local Regulations That Protect Your Life

Map of Canada

In Canada, regulations regarding the possession and purchase of body armour vary from province to province. As of 3 May, 2024, here are the updated regulations:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

    Ref 1: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/plcng/cnmcs-plcng/ndx/snpss-en.aspx?n=125
    Ref 2: https://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=B04P8.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779805037&display=html
    Ref 3: https://www.alberta.ca/body-armour-permit?fbclid=IwAR0o1Guf7_hMYgLHU-DII5aOwbW1MssoZxJAIn-4RmqOj1CiuNsSra3LW6o

  3. 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.

    Ref. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/security-services/body-armour#:~:text=Under%20British%20Columbia’s%20Body%20Armour,to%20six%20months%20in%20jail

  4. 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.

    Ref. https://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/39-4/b014e.php#:~:text=This%20Bill%20regulates%20the%20use,is%20exempted%20from%20this%20requirement 

  5. 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.
  6. 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.

    Ref: https://nslegislature.ca/legc/bills/63rd_2nd/1st_read/b032.htm 

    1. 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 viewed as a supplementary safety measure for individuals who own firearms, providing an extra layer of protection.
      • The PAL/RPAL system ensures that those purchasing body armour have already undergone background checks and met criteria related to firearm ownership, contributing to a sense of security in their ability to responsibly handle protective gear

Canadian Armour Ltd. recommends that individuals intending to purchase body armour consult with local authorities to understand and confirm the specific regulations in their province or territory before making a purchase. Regulations are subject to change, and adherence to local laws is essential to ensure compliance.

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