Understanding Gun Ownership Laws in Canada Amid Recent Tragedy

Thu Feb 12 2026 01:03:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As scrutiny of Canada's gun laws intensifies following a tragic mass shooting, we explore the current regulations, public sentiment, and the rising debate over potential reforms.

The recent mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, which claimed nine lives, has raised questions about the adequacy of Canada’s gun ownership laws. Despite stringent regulations compared to the U.S., discussions are emerging on whether further legal measures are needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Understanding Gun Ownership Laws in Canada Amid Recent Tragedy

A deadly mass shooting at a school in British Columbia is likely to increase scrutiny of whether Canada's gun laws should be toughened to prevent further attacks. Nine people were killed and another 25 injured in the attack at Tumbler Ridge, which occurred in a remote area approximately 415 miles north of Vancouver. The shooter was also found dead from a self-inflicted injury, according to authorities.

Currently, gun ownership in Canada is largely regulated federally, with stricter laws than many U.S. states. Mass shootings are rare, especially when compared with the United States. However, gun-related killings represent a higher percentage of homicides in Canada than in countries like England, Wales, or Australia.

Current Gun Laws in Canada

Under Canada's Firearms Act, firearms must be stored locked and unloaded. Prospective buyers must undergo rigorous background checks and obtain a license. In 2021, over 2.2 million Canadians, or about 7.7% of adults, held firearm licenses, with an estimated 10 million firearms circulating in the country. British Columbia has the highest rate of handgun ownership, and since 2022, a national freeze on the sale and transfer of handguns has been in effect.

Recent Mass Shootings

This latest incident adds to a troubling trend of mass shootings in Canada over the years. In 2020, a gunman posing as a police officer killed 22 people in Nova Scotia, Canada's deadliest mass shooting. In response, the government banned most military-grade assault weapons. Other notable shootings include the 2017 attack on a Quebec City mosque and a school shooting in La Loche in 2016.

As discussions around gun reform continue, many are wondering whether existing laws are sufficient to ensure public safety and prevent future tragedies.