An open letter to Members of Parliament, Government of Canada
Dear Members of Parliament,
The Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association (CSAAA) has been advocating for Canada Post to allow ammunition shipments and is calling for amendments to Transport Canada’s Dangerous Goods Act or changes to Canada Post policies to include ammunition under the “Limited Quantities” exemption for businesses. This is essential to ensuring access to ammunition for all Canadians, especially those in remote and Indigenous communities where alternative shipping options are unavailable.
Currently, Canada Post prohibits the shipment of ammunition, due to its classification as a “dangerous good” under Transport Canada regulations. However, ammunition is inherently stable and safe for transport and handling. Despite this, the following UN-classified items remain excluded from Canada Post’s network:
- UN0012: Cartridges, Small Arms / Cartridges for Weapons, Inert Projectile (1.4S, Packing Group II)
- UN0014: Cartridges, Small Arms, Blank / Cartridges for Tools, Blank (1.4S, Packing Group II)
- UN0044: Primers, Cap Type (1.4S, Packing Group II)
Canada Post’s nationwide coverage, particularly in rural and remote regions, makes it the only viable carrier to serve these areas. Indigenous communities, where access to hunting and firearm supplies is tied to cultural and subsistence rights, are disproportionately impacted.
Restricting ammunition shipments through Canada Post exacerbates inequities for lawful firearm users, including hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and businesses that rely heavily on this shipping network.
We urge Members of Parliament to address this issue by:
- Advocating for amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act to classify ammunition within the Limited Quantities exemption; or
- Lobbying Canada Post to revise its policies and include ammunition in its expanded acceptance program for contract customers or Solutions for Small Business (SfSB) cardholders.
Canada Post has, in writing, stated that it would re-evaluate its policy if regulatory changes occur. With the proper packaging and adherence to Transport Canada guidelines, ammunition shipments can absolutely meet safety standards and align with the practices of carriers operating in other jurisdictions.
The inability to ship ammunition through Canada Post is not only a massive business barrier but a direct impediment to the rights and traditions of Canadians who depend on hunting and sport shooting. We ask for your support in advancing this initiative to ensure fair and equitable access for all constituents.
We would welcome an opportunity to discuss this matter further and collaborate on forming a solution that meets regulatory, safety, and community needs.
