Message from the Commissioner of Firearms

Commissioner of Firearms - 2008 Report

It is my pleasure to present the Commissioner of Firearms Report for 2008 -- a year that saw many changes and advances within the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program (CFP).

Perhaps most significantly, the former Canada Firearms Centre and Firearms Support Services Directorate¹ were brought together to form a unified CFP. These firearms-focused groups now combine efforts to improve public safety by informing, supporting and assisting Canadian law enforcement organizations, the firearms community and the public. The CFP, now more than ever before, provides direct firearms enforcement and investigative support to police across the country.

The CFP plays a key role in supporting the RCMP’s commitment to Safe Homes and Safe Communities and shares a dedication to priorities such as organized crime and terrorism, youth initiatives and Aboriginal partnerships. On an international level, the CFP now sets a standard -- its efficacy is acknowledged, and other countries have chosen to emulate it.

As awareness of the CFP’s capacities and benefits continues to expand, the CFP is poised to address all firearms-focused issues and needs. Whether overseeing the safety training of a firearms owner in rural Canada or helping to investigate a crime involving firearms in an urban centre, the CFP is committed to firearms safety and to the safety of all Canadians.

William J.S. Elliott
Commissioner

¹ Now called the Firearms Investigative & Enforcement Services Directorate. This name change occurred in 2009.