Red Flag Firearms Laws
If you are worried that someone may be a risk to themselves or others and has access to firearms, you can apply for an Emergency Prohibition Order or an Emergency Limitations on Access Order. These orders are designed to temporarily remove or restrict access to firearms to help prevent harm. They do not result in a criminal record unless their conditions are not followed. When an order ends, restrictions are lifted, and firearms may be returned. If safety concerns continue, another application can be made.
Know the signs. Use the law. Help prevent harm. 💜
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Know the Signs. Use the Law.
Stop the Violence.
Anyone who is concerned about someone’s safety can take action under Canada’s Red Flag Laws. This includes individuals experiencing violence or abuse, as well as family members, friends, neighbours, coworkers, and other community members.
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You will be asked to attend a court hearing and explain why you believe the person may pose a risk.
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Evidence can include notes, messages, police records, or statements from others.
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Applications can often be made without notifying the other person in advance to help protect your safety.
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In some cases, the court may also take steps to protect your identity.
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If an order is granted, you will usually be notified through local police.
Important to Know
Red Flag Laws are NOT a replacement for emergency support.
Police and emergency services remain essential when there is an urgent risk of harm to an individual.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
What Situations are Covered?
Red Flag Laws are to protect individuals in situations involving domestic violence, including:
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Physical abuse
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Emotional or psychological abuse
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Coercive control
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Gender-based violence
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Mental health or suicide risk
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Stalking or harassment (covered under the Criminal Code)
Who Can Apply?
Any concerned individual can request an Emergency Prohibition Order, including:
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Victims of violence or abuse
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Family members or friends
-
Neighbours or coworker
-
Healthcare or social service professionals
-
Community members
How To Apply?
Contact your local provincial court to start the application process. You do NOT need a lawyer to apply.
Support services are available for help, such as:
-
Legal Aid
-
Victim Services
-
Community or social support organizations, including PCCS
How Do Red Flag Laws Work?
Anyone can apply to a court for an Emergency Prohibition Order or an Emergency Limitations Access Order. These orders allow the temporary removal or limit access to firearms from an individual who may present a serious risk. The court can issue the orders without notifying the firearm owner of the application and hearing (ex parte).
What Situations are Covered?
Red Flag Laws are to protect individuals in situations involving domestic violence, including:
-
Physical abuse
-
Emotional or psychological abuse
-
Coercive control
-
Gender-based violence
-
Mental health or suicide risk
-
Stalking or harassment (covered under the Criminal Code)
Who Can Apply?
Any concerned individual can request an Emergency Prohibition Order, including:
-
Victims of violence or abuse
-
Family members or friends
-
Neighbours or coworker
-
Healthcare or social service professionals
-
Community members
How To Apply?
Contact your local provincial court to start the application process. You do NOT need a lawyer to apply.
Support services are available for help, such as:
-
Legal Aid
-
Victim Services
-
Community or social support organizations, including PCCS
How Do Red Flag Laws Work?
Anyone can apply to a court for an Emergency Prohibition Order or an Emergency Limitations Access Order. These orders allow the temporary removal or limit access to firearms from an individual who may present a serious risk. The court can issue the orders without notifying the firearm owner of the application and hearing (ex parte).
Know the Signs. Use the Law. Stop the Violence.
What situations are covered?
What situations are covered?
Red Flag Laws can be used in situations involving domestic violence, including:
-
Physical abuse
-
Emotional or psychological abuse
-
Coercive control
-
Gender-based violence
-
Mental health or suicide risk
-
Stalking or harassment (covered under the Criminal Code)
How Do Red Flag Laws Work?
Under these laws, anyone can apply to a court for an Emergency Prohibition Order or an Emergency Limitations Access Order. These orders allow the temporary removal or access to firearms from an individual who may present a serious risk. The court can issue the orders without notifying the firearm owner of the application and hearing (ex parte).
Who Can Apply?
Any concerned individual can request a prohibition order OR an emergency limitations access order, including:
-
Victims of violence or abuse
-
Family members or friends
-
Neighbours or coworker
-
Healthcare or social service professionals
-
Community members
How to Apply?
Contact your local provincial court to start the application process.
-
You do NOT need a lawyer to apply.
Support services may help, such as:
-Legal Aid
-Victim Services
-
Community or social support organizations, including PCCS
Important To Know
Red Flag Laws are not a replacement for emergency support.
Police and emergency services remain essential when there is an urgent risk of harm.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
How do Red Flag laws work in Canada?
Red Flag Laws allow authorities to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are deemed a safety risk. Understanding how to access and apply these measures is essential for promoting safety.
Apply to a provincial or territorial court for an emergency prohibition order.
Apply to a provincial or territorial court for an emergency prohibition order.
If convinced, the judge grants the order, effective for up to 30 days. The person subject to the order is notified, and their firearm(s) are removed. During the order that person may apply to have the order lifted.
If not convinced, the order is not issued, and no further action is taken.
A judge will hold a hearing to determine whether the emergency prohibition order should be granted.
If you still consider there to be a safety risk, re-apply for an emergency prohibition order.
When the order expires or is lifted, the firearms will be returned to the individual.
Emergency Prohibition
vs
Limitation on Access
An Emergency Prohibition Order (EPO) is a legal tool that allows a judge to temporarily remove someone’s access to firearms for up to 30 days if they are considered a risk to themselves or others. While an EPO does not result in a criminal record, failing to follow the order can lead to criminal charges. In more serious situations, the court may hold a hearing to consider a longer-term prohibition of up to five years.
​
An Emergency Limitations on Access Order may also be issued. This order places restrictions on how firearms are accessed or stored, helping to reduce risk and increase safety for up to 30 days.
​
If you’re unsure where to start, PCCS is here to support you. We can help you understand your options and connect you with the right resources.
Who Can Apply
Anyone who is concerned about someone’s safety can apply for support. This includes individuals experiencing violence or abuse, as well as family members, friends, neighbours, coworkers, or other community members. If you are worried that someone may be a risk to themselves or others and has access to firearms, you can apply for either an Emergency Prohibition Order or an Emergency Limitations on Access Order. These orders do not result in a criminal record unless their conditions are not followed. When an order expires, restrictions are lifted, and firearms may be returned. If concerns continue, another application can be made.
To begin the process, contact your local provincial court. You do not need a lawyer to apply, and support may be available through Legal Aid, Victim Services, or community organizations like PCCS. You will be asked to attend a court hearing and explain why you believe the person may pose a risk. This may include sharing notes, messages, police records, or statements from others. Applications are often made without notifying the other person in advance to help protect your safety, and in some cases, the court may take steps to protect your identity. If the order is granted, you will be notified, usually through local police.
Emergency Prohibition
vs
Limitation on Access
An Emergency Prohibition Order (EPO) is a legal tool that allows a judge to temporarily remove someone’s access to firearms for up to 30 days if they are considered a risk to themselves or others. While an EPO does not result in a criminal record, failing to follow the order can lead to criminal charges. In more serious situations, the court may hold a hearing to consider a longer-term prohibition of up to five years.
​
An Emergency Limitations on Access Order may also be issued. This order places restrictions on how firearms are accessed or stored, helping to reduce risk and increase safety for up to 30 days.
​
If you’re unsure where to start, PCCS is here to support you. We can help you understand your options and connect you with the right resources.
About the Red Flag Law
In Canada, firearm-related harm, including gender-based and intimate partner violence, has serious and lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities. According to Statistics Canada, one in six victims of intimate partner violence has experienced violence involving a weapon, and when firearms are involved, the risk of death is significantly higher. Many people experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime, including psychological, physical, and sexual harm. This highlights the importance of early intervention and accessible supports to help keep people safe.
Canada has taken steps to strengthen firearm safety through legislation such as Bill C-21, which introduced measures to address gun violence, including Red Flag Laws. These laws allow individuals to apply to the court for the temporary removal of firearms when someone may pose a risk to themselves or others. They can be used in situations involving family violence, mental health concerns, stalking, or harassment, and are intended to support earlier action and prevent harm.
_edited.png)
Emergency Prohibition vs
Limitation on Access
An Emergency Prohibition Order (EPO) is a legal tool that allows a judge to temporarily remove someone’s access to firearms for up to 30 days if they are considered a risk to themselves or others. While an EPO does not result in a criminal record, failing to follow the order can lead to criminal charges. In more serious situations, the court may hold a hearing to consider a longer-term prohibition of up to five years.
An Emergency Limitations on Access Order may also be issued. This order places restrictions on how firearms are accessed or stored, helping to reduce risk and increase safety for up to 30 days.
If you’re unsure where to start, PCCS is here to support you. We can help you understand your options and connect you with the right resources.
About the Red Flag Law
In Canada, firearm-related harm, including gender-based and intimate partner violence, has serious and lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities. According to Statistics Canada, one in six victims of intimate partner violence has experienced violence involving a weapon, and when firearms are involved, the risk of death is significantly higher. Many people experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime, including psychological, physical, and sexual harm. This highlights the importance of early intervention and accessible supports to help keep people safe.
Canada has taken steps to strengthen firearm safety through legislation such as Bill C-21, which introduced measures to address gun violence, including Red Flag Laws. These laws allow individuals to apply to the court for the temporary removal of firearms when someone may pose a risk to themselves or others. They can be used in situations involving family violence, mental health concerns, stalking, or harassment, and are intended to support earlier action and prevent harm.