On Friday, November 29th. 2002, The Honorable Martin Cauchon, Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Canada made the following announcements:
1. There will be a 6 month grace period for firearm owners who submit their firearms registration application by the December 31, 2002 deadline but who have not received their registration certificates by January 1, 2003.
The news release stated that "this is not an extension of the registration deadline but rather protection from any criminal liability for those who have complied with the law".
2. There will also be an extension to the amnesty period for prohibited handguns until December 31, 2003. This extension is required due to the fact that Bill C-10, now in the Senate and which has language dealing with 12/6 handguns (short barreled handguns) has yet to pass.
This amnesty also covers businesses that are holding unregistered firearms for consignment sales.
3. The $25 fee for transferring a firearm, which has been waived since June 30, 2000 has also been reinstated.