Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Alberta Firearms Regulation · in-force

Enactment of the Alberta Firearms Regulation

Establishes the Alberta Firearms Regulation, defining terms, prescribing federal enactments, and requiring ministerial approval for certain funding agreements or grants for municipal entities, police services, or police commissions.

Moderate impactCentralization of powerLocal autonomyMunicipalitiesThe public, directlyCourts

What changed

  • Creates the Alberta Firearms Regulation under the authority of the Alberta Firearms Act.
  • Defines 'municipal entity' (municipality and council) and 'police commission' for the purposes of the Act and Regulation.
  • Prescribes Part III of the Criminal Code (Canada) and the Firearms Act (Canada) for the purposes of section 1(g)(ii) of the Alberta Firearms Act.
  • Requires municipal entities, police services, and police commissions to obtain the Minister's written approval for agreements or acceptance of grants/financial assistance referred to in section 16 of the Act.
  • Sets an expiry date of March 31, 2028, for the Regulation, mandating a review for ongoing relevancy and necessity.

Why it matters

  • Centralizes oversight of certain firearms-related agreements and financial assistance by requiring ministerial approval for municipal entities and police bodies.
  • Reduces the discretion of municipal entities, police services, and police commissions in accepting specific federal funding or entering agreements without provincial ministerial consent.
  • Establishes a defined review period for the regulation, allowing for potential amendments or re-enactment based on future assessment of its necessity.

Rights affected

  • Due process — Fair procedure before rights are restricted by the state.

Other governance concerns

  • Ministerial oversight of municipal and police funding
  • Potential impact on local decision-making regarding firearms-related initiatives
  • Access to justice
  • Judicial workload and resource allocation
  • Procedural fairness for litigants

Primary sources (3)