Jim Lee, a retiree from Mississauga, has embraced shooting as a new hobby since obtaining his firearms license last year. He frequently visits a local indoor gun range where he enjoys the sport and has formed friendships with fellow enthusiasts. This personal experience reflects a broader trend in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), where firearms license applications have surged by 49% from 2016 to 2025, with Peel Region seeing a dramatic 110% increase. The data from the RCMP indicates that these applications include both Possession and Acquisition Licences (PAL) for non-restricted and restricted firearms. While the reasons behind this growth are unclear, it appears to correlate with an increasing interest in shooting sports among a diverse demographic, including more women and younger individuals.
Why It Matters
The rise in firearms license applications highlights a significant shift in Canadian gun culture, with current statistics indicating that Canada had over 2.4 million firearms license holders last year. The increase in applications may reflect broader societal changes, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to more individuals seeking new hobbies. Additionally, the historical context of Canada’s firearms regulations, including the scrapping of the long-gun registry in 2012, has influenced the current landscape of gun ownership and interest in shooting sports. Understanding these trends is vital for policymakers and communities as they navigate the implications of increasing firearm participation.
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