OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 17, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, announced the creation of a dedicated northern Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) for the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
The new CFO has exclusive responsibility for firearms services in all three territories and is supported by Firearms Officers in each territory.
An open process will be run to appoint the permanent northern CFO. Until that process is completed, an interim CFO from Yukon will serve the needs of all northerners.
This new appointment will enhance firearms regulatory services, outreach and engagement across the North. This approach reflects the key findings of the Canadian Firearms Program's Northern Services Review of firearms regulatory service delivery in the North, which was informed by broad engagement with territorial partners.
Quotes
"We have heard from our territorial partners and northern firearm owners on the critical need for a northern Chief Firearms Officer to better respond to the needs of northern communities regarding geography, governance and cultural sensitivity. This appointment will not only improve services in the territories, but also promote community and firearms safety."
- The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
"A dedicated northern Chief Firearms Officer will bring greater awareness of the unique needs and perspectives of northern communities. This role will help strengthen relationships, enhance responsiveness and support services that reflect the realities and priorities of the North."
- Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs
Quick Facts
- Chief Firearms Officers are responsible for administering the Firearms Act and related regulations for firearms licences and authorizations in their respective jurisdiction(s).
- CFOs approve or refuse firearm licence applications; authorizations to transport firearms, as well as some authorizations to carry firearms; and will revoke licences and authorizations when appropriate.
- They also oversee the delivery of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course
- Under the Firearms Act, the federal Minister of Public Safety is responsible for designating CFOs for the territories.
- In 2024, the Canadian Firearms Program held consultations in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon, which helped identify gaps and opportunities to improve services. Three distinct factors were identified: enhance the Canadian Firearms Program's footprint within northern communities, increase frequency of delivery of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course in the North and amplify engagement and outreach efforts, with a focus on education.
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Contacts: Simon Lafortune, Deputy Director of Communications and Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, [email protected]; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657, [email protected]
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