2004-12-24
Here are the links to the Department of Natural Resources:
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/explosif/over/faq_hr_e.htm
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/explosif/over/faq_hr_f.htm
From the National Firearms Association, thank you to all of you who sent letters. Your efforts helped.
Here is the letter the Minister of Natural Resources the Hon. John Efford is sending out:
"Dear :
Thank
you for your letter expressing your concerns over proposed changes to
regulations under the Explosives Act relating to the handloading of
ammunition.
We are currently reviewing all of our regulations,
for a number of reasons. Firstly, newer legislation has rendered some
of my department's obsolete, e.g. the Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Act now covers much of explosives transportation. Secondly, explosive
products and technology have changed a lot over the years, also
necessitating changes to the regulations. Moreover, you will appreciate
that there is increasing public sensitivity to safety issues that must
be taken into account.
While we recognise that handloading
properly practiced is a safe activity, government has the duty to
maintain up-to-date, appropriate regulations, thereby maintaining the
confidence of the public that government is acting in a responsible
manner. At the same time, I would like to make it clear that the
current review of handloading regulations is not sparked by any rash of
accidents or fear of them, which will be an important factor to
consider in the review of the regulations.
The Explosives Act
prohibits the manufacture of explosives (including ammunition) anywhere
except in a licensed factory - unless exempted by regulations. In the
past, we have worked with the reloading community to put in place
regulations to exempt handloaders from this prohibition. Indeed, the
Explosives Branch maintains close links with many stakeholder
associations, including
the blasting explosives manufacturers,
fireworks importers and users and other industry groups. It has always
been their practice to consult fully with stakeholders before changing
any of their regulations.
At the invitation of the National
Firearms Association (NFA), NRCan officials will join a world sport
shooting advisory board at their annual meeting next March. At that
time a decision will be made whether any regulatory changes will be
required. Be assured that no proposals to modify the regulations
affecting handloading will be made before full consultations have been
completed.
Due to the large volume of correspondence being
received on this matter, responses to specific questions are not being
provided at this time. What we are doing is collecting and categorizing
all questions submitted. Once all feedback has been received a
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) fact sheet will be prepared and posted
on our Web site, www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/explosif/index.htm, and mailed on
request for those preferring a hard copy.
If changes to the regulations are required, our goal will be
to
balance the desire of handloaders to continue to practice their hobby
unimpeded with the need to ensure public safety and security.
Again,
please be assured that we will not change anything in the current
regulations until all interested parties have had the opportunity to
provide their input.
Thank you for taking the time to write and share your thoughts.
Yours sincerely,
The Honourable R. John Efford, P.C., M.P."{mosauthorxtd noshow}