Losing or Finding a Firearm
The offence of losing or finding a firearm is outlined in section 105(1) of the Criminal Code.
A person commits the offence of losing a firearm when they lose or have their prohibited firearm, restricted firearm, non-restricted firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, prohibited ammunition, authorization, licence, or registration certificate stolen and do not report the loss to a peace or firearms officer within a reasonable time.
A person commits the offence of finding a firearm when they find a prohibited firearm, restricted firearm, non-restricted firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, or prohibited ammunition that they believe is lost or abandoned and they do not deliver it or report the finding to a peace or firearms officer within a reasonable time.
For the purposes of the Criminal Code, the definition of firearm includes items other than a pistol, handgun, or rifle.
Examples
Person A loses a firearm while walking around downtown but does not tell anyone about it.
Person B finds a firearm on a bench in a park and keeps it for themselves without telling anyone about it.
Person C’s house gets broken into and their hunting rifle is stolen. Person C does not report the theft to law enforcement.
Cases
R. v. Haley, 2018 ONCJ 298
In R. v. Haley, the accused was charged with one count of losing a firearm after a 9 mm Glock 17 handgun registered to him was found by police executing a search warrant in another man’s home. When the police searched the accused’s home, they found a gun safe that had been pried open and clearly once contained the Glock. The accused had never reported the gun as stolen.
Offence Specific Defence(s)
Definition of Firearm
If the person is in possession of an object that does not fall under the Criminal Code’s definition of a “firearm” then they have not committed the offence of losing or finding a firearm.
Reported the Loss or Finding
The offence of losing or finding a firearm requires that the person not report the finding or the loss. Where a person reports that they lost or found the firearm, they will not have completed the offence of losing or finding a firearm.
Not Stolen or Found
Where a person’s firearm is not lost or stolen but simply sold or given to another person, or where another person receives a firearm as a present or buys one, they will not have committed the offence of losing or finding a firearm. It is important to note that when transferring ownership of a firearm from one party to another, it is necessary to take appropriate steps to ensure the transfer is done legally.
More Legal Information
Law Newbie™ is a free legal assistant developed by our criminal lawyers to help you understand the law.
In criminal cases, there are very strict rules governing what evidence can be used and how it can be used.
The rights enjoyed of all those within Canada are contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Criminal procedure is the process by which an accused person is arrested and brought through the justice system.
Sentencing refers to the punishment that is ordered when an individual is found guilty of a criminal offence.
Offences in Canada are listed in the Criminal Code. They include crimes related to people, vehicles and weapons.