CSAAA hosts quarterly members roundtables to keep the industry informed and connected to provided valuable insights into ongoing regulatory changes, business challenges, and strategic initiatives. Below is a summary of the key discussions and updates from our March Quarterly Roundtable.

CSAAA remains actively engaged with policymakers and the Director of Firearms Policy to minimize the impact of forthcoming magazine regulations under Bill C-21. While the bill has passed, its regulatory framework is still in development and requires committee review before implementation.

With Parliament currently suspended, progress on these regulations is on hold. However, if released, they will be open for public consultation. Businesses are urged to provide feedback on how these changes may affect their operations. CSAAA will continue lobbying for business-friendly regulations and will meet with RCMP and policy representatives this week for further insights.

With an upcoming election, we are hoping this is a regulation that businesses will not have to worry about.

On March 7, the government imposed yet another round of firearm prohibitions via Order in Council, bypassing parliamentary approval. This included the M1 Carbine and other historically significant firearms. The amnesty period for this prohibition expires in March 2026, while previous prohibitions (May 2020 and December 2024) remain under the October 2024 deadline.

These bans are widely seen as politically motivated, appealing to urban voters and anti-gun groups while negatively impacting the firearms industry and community. Notably, the newly prohibited firearms, including the December 2024 prohibited firearms are not yet included in the federal confiscation or “buyback” program for the industry. CSAAA has been engaged in discussions regarding these prohibitions, though details remain confidential due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). While some prohibitions were inevitable, CSAAA successfully reduced the scope of the bans compared to initial proposals. We want to commend all wildlife and firearms organizations for the continued joint efforts to fight these anti-firearms regulations and prohibitions.

Bill C-21 also brought on “yellow flag” laws that grant Chief Firearms Officers (CFOs) the authority to temporarily suspend an individual’s firearms license for up to 30 days based on “reasonable grounds” of ineligibility. While firearms may still be retained, their use and acquisition are restricted during this period.

Concerns have been raised about potential abuses, lack of transparency, and the absence of an appeals process. The lack of a clear burden of proof could lead to wrongful suspensions based on unverified accusations, undermining due process and the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”

The federal government’s confiscation program remains voluntary for businesses submitting claims for prohibited firearms. Due to unexpectedly high participation, Public Safety Canada has imposed a strict cap of 200 compensatable parts per business, with an exception for receivers, which remain uncapped. Businesses can still assemble and claim upper and lower receivers beyond the 200-part limit.

CSAAA encourages businesses experiencing issues with the compensation process to report them for resolution. The deadline for businesses to submit claims is April 30, 2025, with no confirmed extensions beyond this date, although CSAAA has requested this on behalf of businesses that feel more time is needed.

Ongoing trade war between Canada and the U.S. continue to impact the firearms industry, particularly regarding the cost of American-made firearms and ammunition. Businesses are advised to stay informed through their customs brokers for the latest updates on import tariffs.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which CSAAA provides membership access to, is closely monitoring the situation and advocating for businesses. A CFIB webinar on March 20 will provide further details. CSAAA continues to oppose these retaliatory tariffs, arguing that they disproportionately harm small businesses and consumers.

The next industry roundtable, doubling as the AGM, is scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST. This Annual General Meeting includes the election for our voluntary board of directors. Nominations and applications are open for three board positions:

• Vice President
• Two Directors-at-Large

Terms will run from 2025 to 2028. The nomination or application deadline is April 16, 2025, with voting concluding after the AGM. With direct engagement with policymakers, Chief Firearms Officers (CFOs), the RCMP, Public Safety, and all major political parties, board members help drive meaningful dialogue and policy discussions. Their leadership guides CSAAA’s advocacy efforts and strengthens the voice of the industry at the highest level.

Being a CSAAA board member means being at the forefront of industry representation, working collaboratively to protect and promote the interests of Canadian businesses and firearms owners.

Nominations are also open for the CSAAA Legends Program, which recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the firearms industry. Selection criteria include longevity, volunteer work, and work that has enhanced the industry and business wellbeing. Multiple nominations per person are allowed, with all submissions reviewed by the Legends Committee.

CSAAA members can also submit one free classified ad per week, reaching thousands of industry contacts. This initiative fosters business-to-business networking and advertising. These classifieds are sent to all industry contacts via a weekly email and are accessible on our webpage.

We are proud to announce that CSAAA’s gunsmithing committee has made significant progress in discussions with an Ontario college regarding a new gunsmithing program. To accelerate development, businesses and employees are encouraged to express their interest directly to program directors. Increased engagement will help fast-track implementation.

During the Q&A and comment portion of the roundtable, a member inquired about potential Firearms Reference Table (FRT) regulations. CSAAA confirmed that discussions are ongoing. Once Parliament resumes, if we are unfortunate enough to not have a new government, further regulatory developments are expected, including the potential formalization of FRT classifications into law. CSAAA has advocated for guaranteed processing timelines and an appeals process if these regulations are enacted.

CSAAA will continue monitoring developments and advocating for industry interests, providing timely updates as new information becomes available. If any businesses have questions or concerns about any portion of the roundtable, or anything that was not mentioned, they are encouraged to reach out to CSAAA directly.