[BCMA] Firearms: business license vs Public Agent

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Hello Elizabeth,

                I've never dealt with having a staff member as a public agent but it seems that that route might not be the best bet for a museum. The purpose as I understand, though I'm welcoming any correction from the listserv, is more on public sector individuals with 'working' firearms. Individuals like park wardens, immigration officers, firearm instructors, and at places that process firearms (labs, courts, etc.). Taking a look at the legislation is seems to be more storage and control orientated. There doesn't seem to be sections or wording relating to public display or preservation as would likely be needed in your case.

                The licence and training route isn't that big of a deal to do. I've been in a couple institutions that have had firearms and obtaining the licence requires a bit of paperwork and possibly a site visit as far as I know. As long as you have some sort of secured storage for the firearm and/or decommission it you shouldn't have issues getting the licence. The training for a firearms licence is fairly straight forward, couple days for the non-restricted and a day or two for the restricted. The cost for the courses varies considerably from instructor to instructor. I was able to do both for a total of $80 where as I've seen courses run hundreds of dollars each. Since it is for the museum I would think the institution would try to cover the cost. This licence can be very useful in a museum setting so I don't think it'd be a waste as this allows the individual to handle, move, and install firearms.

                One final thing to think about, and judging by the fact that you're looking at options you have already thought of this, do you need the firearm in your collection? Does it fit your mandate? Is the importance to your institution worth the work you'll have to go through to be able to legally keep it?

                Best of luck!

William Shepherd
Collections Officer
Swift Current Museum
44 Robert Street West
Swift Current, Saskatchewan
S9H 4M9
Phone: 306-778-4815
Fax: 306-778-4818

From: bcma-bounces at lists.vifa.ca [mailto:bcma-bounces at lists.vifa.ca] On Behalf Of Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.
Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2017 1:27 PM
To: BCMA at lists.vifa.ca
Subject: [BCMA] Firearms: business license vs Public Agent

We  had a restricted weapon donated to the museum last year (unexpectedly in a box of other items which we had discussed over the phone!)  We contacted our local RCMP  to discuss our options and make sure we followed current procedures. We have recently been contacted  by a more specialized/senior officer  to inform us that the advice provided was not accurate.  We find ourselves in violation of the firearms regulations and need to make a rather speedy decision as to whether to apply for a business license and have a staff member qualify for a firearms handling certificate or to seek to have the museum curator certified as a public agent.  So I am seeking some advice. If anyone else has looked at the regulations in greater detail and weighed the options I would appreciate your input.

Thank you.

Elizabeth Hunter
Museum & Heritage Manager
Quesnel & District Museum And Archives
705 Carson Ave.
Quesnel BC  V2J 2B6
250-992-9580
quesnelmuseum.ca<http://www.quesnelmuseum.ca/>


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