Alberta's request to participate in six lawsuits challenging federal gun control regulations that forbid more than 1,500 different firearms models was allowed by the Federal Court.

The federal firearms ban has been the subject of six ongoing lawsuits, according to an announcement made by Alberta's Minister of Justice and Attorney General on September 26, 2022. The province will attempt to advance legal arguments in these six cases relating to constitutional and non-constitutional legal issues.

“The federal firearms ban criminalizes hundreds of thousands of law-abiding Canadians who are in possession of firearms that the federal government has arbitrarily banned, simply because the ‘style’ of the firearm was deemed to be aesthetically displeasing by bureaucrats in Public Safety Canada. I am pleased that Alberta has been granted an opportunity to defend the tens of thousands of Albertans who are personally affected by this ban in a court of law,” stated Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice.

On constitutional issues, provinces are obligated to step in. Provinces are required to request the court's approval on non-constitutional matters.

The lawsuits raise questions of significant public interest respecting the lawful ownership of firearms in Canada, the proper interpretation of the Criminal Code, and the scope of the regulation-making powers granted to Canada’s Governor in Council.

According to Teri Bryant, Chief Firearms Officer, “The federal government’s legislative amendments would result in responsible firearms owners losing their property without improving public safety. I have urged the federal government to reconsider these amendments, and will continue to advocate for laws that protect both public safety and property rights.”

Early in February, Alberta will deliver its written submission to the federal court. Hearings for the lawsuits are planned for April 11–April 20, 2023.

There are 340,245 possession acquisition licence holders in Alberta, The federal firearms ban targets an estimated 30,000 firearms for confiscation in Alberta.

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