The Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act has passed third and final reading in the House of Commons and is now off to the Senate for approval.
Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford says the Bill cuts red tape for law-abiding firearms owners and ensures safe and sensible policies.
Rickford adds changes to the Criminal Code and the classification regime will ensure the rights of lawful firearms owners are respected.
The Kenora MP says key points to the Act include a six-month grace period at the end of the five-year licensing period to stop people from becoming criminalized for paperwork delays around license renewals.
It also merges the Possession Only License and the Possession and Acquisition License.
Other highlights are making classroom participation in firearms safety training mandatory for first time license applicants and the elimination of needless paperwork around transporting firearms.
Rickford adds the Act strengthens the provisions relating to orders prohibiting the possession of firearms where a person is convicted of an offence involving domestic violence.
He notes Northerners have been calling for these changes for years.
