(ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland and Labrador) – The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) are teaming up to deliver the “Safe Cities” project in Newfoundland and Labrador, reminding gun owners of the current laws for ownership and registration of restricted and prohibited firearms.

Letters have been sent to owners of unregistered firearms giving them the opportunity to comply with the current legislation. These letters will provide the information and steps necessary to assist owners in registering or disposing of their firearms.

Over the coming weeks, RNC and RCMP officers will visit the homes of firearms owners whose restricted and/or prohibited gun registrations have lapsed.  Officers will explain the requirement to register a firearm and the steps gun owners can follow to either safely dispose of their firearms or register them with the Canadian Firearms Information System.

“Often it’s as simple as a firearm being inherited when a family member passes away,” says RNC Deputy Chief Ab Singleton. “The new owner may not be aware that the firearm should be registered or that a license is required. This project will ensure gun owners are aware of their responsibilities.”

While visiting gun owners, police officers will also pass along information on how to properly store and transport firearms and ammunition and what training is available for gun owners including the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.

“Knowing how to properly handle and store firearms goes hand-in-hand with registering your firearm and having a license,” says RCMP C/Supt. Stephanie Sachsse. “Responsible gun ownership is essential to keeping our homes and communities safe.”

Anyone with unwanted firearms or ammunition is asked to contact their local RNC or RCMP office on their non-emergency phone line. Police will pick up any unwanted weapons or ammunition. For safety and security reasons, please do not transport firearms to police departments.

For additional information about licensing, registration and general safekeeping of firearms, contact the RCMP’s Canadian Firearms Program or visit www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca and click on “Canadian Firearms Program.”

 

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Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Non-Emergency Lines:

St. John’s: 709-729-8000
Corner Brook: 709-637-4100
Labrador City: 709-944-7602
Churchill Falls: 709-925-3524

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Non-Emergency Lines:

709-772-5400
Toll free: 1-800-709-RCMP (7267)

For Media:

Cst. Daniel Morrissey #834
Media Relations Officer / Social Media Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
(709) 729-8658

Laura Hepditch
Director of Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP
709-772-7334
laura.hepditch@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

 

View release as PDF: RCMP and RNC launch “Safe Cities” firearms project