FIREARMS FRIENDS
Why hunters should support Canada’s gun rights advocates
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The hunting community is well known for its significant contributions to wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation. Whether your passions lie toward waterfowl, elk, turkeys, deer, pheasants, grouse or sheep, there’s a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring your favourite game has a sustainable future. If your interests are broader than a single species or two, the various provincial wildlife federations are there to serve your needs. As outdoors people and conservationists, we’ve historically supported these organizations in droves, and some of North America’s greatest wildlife successes can be attributed to their fine work.
On the other hand, while some hunters support Canada’s dedicated firearms advocacy organizations, the hunting community as whole may be falling a little short. Unlike the U.S. with its one primary group—the National Rifle Association—here in Canada we have three organizations supporting individual gun owners. There is certainly overlap among these membership-driven groups, but each has its own niche, operational focus and suite of benefits.
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Above all, though, all three groups advocate for shooters and hunters, both publicly and in private with legislators. So, while I can’t recommend one of these organizations over the others, I encourage you to explore their websites and talk to current members, then join the group that best aligns with your wants and needs. Even though Canada’s current laws do not impact the majority of our hunting firearms, we need strong voices out there to ensure they never do. Here’s how each group can help.
CANADIAN SHOOTING SPORTS ASSOCIATION
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With its roots extending back to 1957, the CSSA provides advocacy for sport shooting and firearms use across Canada. “We strive to safeguard Canada’s firearm traditions and advocate for lawful, unrestricted firearm access for responsible citizens,” reads the group’s mission statement. The group’s member benefits and services include shooting events, firearms education and information sharing, and lobbying for favourable firearms legislation. Other members benefits include $5 million liability insurance and access to the association’s Emergency Legal Fund, should you find yourself, or your club, facing legal issues. Also of note, the CSSA is an executive member of the non-partisan Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus, which supports the Canadian outdoor heritage activities of hunting, fishing, sport shooting and trapping. Learn more at www.cssa-cila.org.
CANADIAN COALITION FOR FIREARMS RIGHTS
Founded in 2015, the CCFR’s stated vision is “to maintain, protect and promote private firearm ownership.” As noted on the group’s website, it aims to accomplish this through informing and educating Canadians about current firearms laws and regulations, and by providing support and accurate information to the media and government about firearm issues. The CCFR also promotes human rights in Canada as they apply to the defence of personal and property rights. As well, members benefit from $5 million third-party liability insurance. Very active on social media, the CCFR’s primary spokesperson is Tracey Wilson, a well-known firearms rights personality and a leading public voice in advocating for gun owners. Though not a member of the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus, the organization is well-known among politicians in Ottawa. Learn more at www.firearmrights.ca.
NATIONAL FIREARMS ASSOCIATION
The NFA was founded in 1978 with the mission “to promote, support and protect: all safe firearms activities, including the right of self-defence; firearms education for all Canadians; freedom and justice for Canada’s firearms community, and further to advocate for legislative change to protect the right to own and use firearms.” Along with $5 million liability insurance, members receive a subscription to the award-winning publication Canadian Firearms Journal, which covers issues of interest to both hunters and the shooting community at large. Under its new SAVE Firearms program, meanwhile, the NFA will temporarily store firearms for people with an expired PAL, deployed military personnel, those deciding what to do with inherited firearms and others. Internationally, the association is a member of the World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities (www.wfsa.net), a non-governmental organization recognized by the United Nations. Learn more at www.nfa.ca.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT: In Canada, the firearms and hunting industry itself is supported by the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association (www.csaaa.org). Its membership is open to manufacturers, media, associations, business individuals, retailers, distributors and other businesses related to firearms. Also supporting the sector is the NFA’s new Canadian Firearms Manufacturers and Dealers Association.