Sask. applying to intervene in legal challenges to federal firearms bans

A provincial government news release states no date has yet been selected to hear appeals of a Federal Court ruling, dismissing challenges to the federal government’s move to ban certain firearms.

Published Feb 05, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 1 minute read

The Saskatchewan government is seeking an opportunity to get involved in a court case regarding the federal government’s decision to ban certain firearms. Photo by Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Saskatchewan’s provincial government has decided to make an attempt at wading into a court case concerning the federal government’s approach to firearms policy.

A Monday morning news release from the province indicates it will apply for intervener status in matters currently before the Federal Court of Appeal.

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Such status, if granted, would allow the province to participate in a limited manner.

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Appeals were filed following an October 2023 ruling from the Federal Court of Canada, which dismissed challenges to the federal government’s decision to ban certain firearms.

The provincial news release states that the applicants, including the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights (CCFR), filed appeals in November.

“We believe in the merits of this case on administrative and constitutional grounds,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said Friday at a Saskatoon Wildlife Federation dinner, according to the release.

“The federal ban already includes up to 1,800 ‘variants,’ will cost billions of dollars, and directly conflicts with sections of the Criminal Code which state that firearms that can reasonably be used for hunting or sporting purposes cannot be banned.”

The release goes on to quote Saskatchewan Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman.

“Saskatchewan is firm in its opposition to the federal firearms ban, which unfairly targets law-abiding firearms owners and will have little impact on firearms-related crime,” he said.

No date has been set for an appeal hearing on the matters, the release notes.

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