In Toronto and Quebec, unique among Canadian provinces, there are no specific licensing requirements for the purchase of body armor. This means that individuals in these regions can acquire body armor without needing to obtain any additional permits or licenses beyond what is already required for firearm ownership, such as the Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or Restricted PAL (RPAL).
In the rest of Canada, possessing a valid PAL/RPAL license enables individuals to purchase body armor legally. This is often seen 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 armor have already undergone background checks and met certain criteria related to firearm ownership, which may contribute to a sense of security in their ability to responsibly handle protective gear.
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DETAILS:
Unrestricted Provinces are Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia
You may possess body armour without a permit if you hold a valid firearms license issued under the Firearms Act (Canada). Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec: Possession of body armor is 100% legal, there is no regulations restricting possession of any kind of body armor
Alberta
Body Armour Control Act in June 2012. The Act requires anyone acquiring body armour to obtain a permit unless they are exempted (e.g., police officers). Anyone already possessing body armour was required to obtain a permit by December 15, 2012, or dispose of the body armour. After this initial six-month period, the possession of body armour without a permit became a chargeable offence.
(Ref: 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
British Colombia
Under British Columbia’s Body Armour Control Act and Regulation, you must have a permit to possess body armour, or a valid PAL/RPAL license. A business(es) that sells body armour(s) to an individual(s) without a permit may face a fine up to $100,000 and its controlling members could face up to six months in jail. If you possess body armour without a permit you could face a fine up to $10,000 and six months in jail. However, people with a license to possess firearms (PAL/RPAL) totally meet the set requirements.
Manitoba
This Bill regulates the use of body armour and fortified vehicles in Manitoba.
A person will need a permit to possess body armour unless the person is exempted from the requirement. A person who sells body armour must have a license, unless the seller is exempted from this requirement. A person who buys bulletproof vest must have valid PAL/RPAL.
New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut and North-West territories
Special license is required to purchase and posses a body armour. A person who sells body armour must have a license, unless the seller is exempted from this requirement. A person who buys bulletproof vest must have valid PAL/RPAL.
Nova Scotia
Special license may be required to purchase and posses a body armour. A person who sells body armour must have a license, unless the seller is exempted from this requirement. A person who buys bulletproof vest must have valid PAL/RPAL.
(Ref: https://nslegislature.ca/legc/bills/63rd_2nd/1st_read/b032.htm )
Regulations are variable province to province, therefore Canadian Armour Ltd. is strongly suggesting, before making a purchase of any type of body armour, to call, discuss and confirm local rules and regulations with authorities.
