“Red Flag” Laws in Canada
Canada’s “Red Flag” laws are designed to prevent firearm related tragedies and not to punish law abiding gun owners. If you are worried that someone you know may harm themselves or others with a firearm, Red Flag Laws can help.
If someone is believed to be a safety risk to themselves or others, red flag laws allow anyone to apply for an emergency prohibition order at their local provincial or territorial court. If an emergency prohibition order is granted the individuals firearm’s license, their firearms and other weapons can be temporarily removed for up to 30 days.
If there is a risk that the individual could access another person’s firearms, an application can also be made for an emergency limitations on access order. This could mean that the other person must store their firearms safely at another location, such as with a licensed family member or friend.
Remember: This is a court process. If a situation is urgent or life threatening, call 911
Click the button below to visit our free e-learning module to learn more about Red Flag Laws and how they work in Saskatchewan
Quick Points of Note
- Any concerned individual can make an application, you do not need to be a lawyer or police officer to make an application.
- The person will not be notified of the hearing or application unless an order is made.
- Steps can be taken to protect the identity of the person making the application. Learn more here.
- An emergency prohibition order does not result in a criminal record – if the order is broken, this can result in criminal charges.
- At the judge’s discretion, a longer-term prohibition order can be set to last up to 5 years.
