Moving Forward

2006 Report of the Commissioner of Firearms

The RCMP is committed to enhancing the Canadian Firearms Program and public safety. In the coming years, the RCMP and the CAFC will continue to focus on the following priorities:

Optimize the public-safety benefits of the Canadian Firearms Program

The RCMP will improve service to its diversified clientele, including police organizations, firearms owners, safety groups, firearms organizations and the general public, and educate them about the benefits of the Canadian Firearms Program.

Enhance support to law enforcement

The RCMP will continue to enhance support to law-enforcement agencies in their efforts to deal with firearms-related crimes and protect public safety. In particular, the CAFC will expand its operational-support function and presence in investigations of organized crime involving firearms.

Support continued compliance with the law

To reduce firearms-related crime and injury, the RCMP will promote compliance with the Firearms Act and its related legislation through collaboration with Chief Firearms Officers, provinces, federal partners, police organizations, firearms owners and other public-safety officials.

Engage the public, partners and other communities

The RCMP will expand public awareness and understanding of the Canadian Firearms Program through specific outreach activities that support achievement of the objectives of the Firearms Act and related legislation.

Improve service delivery and client service

The CAFC will improve its ability to respond to the needs of individuals, businesses, law-enforcement agencies and other partners regarding firearms control in a variety of ways. These include the continued implementation of a new licence-renewal infrastructure with simplified licence application forms and streamlined processes. Other measures will include improved data quality and integrity and providing relevant, timely and accessible client services and information through numerous transactional channels.

Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of internal operations

The CAFC will pursue greater integration with other National Police Services (NPS) programs. Alignment with NPS programs provides opportunities to serve the broader law-enforcement community in a more streamlined manner. Integration of administration activities such as finance, human resources and information-technology systems will provide an economy of scale and greater effectiveness in the medium to long term.