Why are suppressors illegal in Canada?
Asked by: Mariah Ruecker | Last update: February 12, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (1 votes)
Suppressors (silencers) are illegal in Canada because they are classified as "prohibited devices" under the Criminal Code (Section 84), primarily due to public safety concerns that disguising a gun's sound facilitates illicit use, fitting into Canada's strict gun culture and regulatory approach focused on preventing crime and misuse. While some countries allow them for hearing protection and hunting, Canada prohibits civilian possession, importation, or sale without specific authorization, viewing them as inherently linked to criminal activity.
Can you bring a suppressor to Canada?
Traveling with a suppressor is not difficult in most cases. Stay away from countries like Canada and U.S. states that don't allow suppressors; check local laws; and have digital copies of your tax-stamp forms available to you.
Why is AR-15 banned in Canada?
Since May 2020, Ottawa has banned approximately 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms, including the AR-15, on the grounds they are designed for military use and have no place in civilian communities.
Can you buy rifle suppressors in Canada?
Silencers, also called suppressors, are treated under Canadian law as prohibited devices. Under the Criminal Code and Firearms Act, possessing, importing, manufacturing, or selling them without specific legal authorization is illegal.
Is Canada banning guns in 2026?
The documents also confirm that the amnesty period for possessing banned guns will end on Oct. 30, 2026. Afterwards, anyone in possession "will be breaking the law and could face criminal prosecution."
The Truth About Firearm Suppressors In Canada
What country has the loosest gun laws?
Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.
Can a US citizen carry a gun in Canada?
Crossing the Canadian Border with a Gun. Firearms are very strictly controlled in Canada, and any visitor bringing a gun into the country must declare it in writing at the border via a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. A $25 fee must also be paid at the Port of Entry (credit cards are accepted).
Can I own an AK-47 in Canada?
Based on Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code , receiver blanks can be classified as non-restricted, restricted or prohibited. The most common in Canada are for: Colt M1911, SIG 226 and Glock 17 pattern handguns (all restricted firearms) AK-47 and AR-15/M16 pattern rifles (both prohibited firearms)
Does Walmart still sell AR-15s?
No, Walmart does not sell AR-15s or other modern sporting rifles (MSRs), having stopped sales in 2015 due to sluggish demand and focusing instead on hunting rifles, and further restricted sales of related ammunition and accessories after later shootings. They also no longer sell handguns (except in Alaska), raised the minimum age for firearm purchases to 21, and removed similar-looking items from their website.
Why are firearm suppressors illegal in Canada?
Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code prescribes any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm to be a prohibited device.
Are handguns banned in Canada?
No, handguns are not illegal in Canada. However, the legal framework has become restrictive: Existing Owners: Individuals who lawfully possessed handguns before the freeze can continue to own and use them for purposes like target shooting and collecting.
Is Canada banning .22 rifles?
22-caliber semi-automatic rifle, was not prohibited in Canada's recent ban announced on March 7, 2025. The prohibition list published by the Government of Canada specifically targets certain makes and models of firearms, but the Ruger 10/22 does not appear on this list.
Can I bring my AR-15 to Canada?
Anyone wishing to bring hunting rifles into Canada must be at least 18 years old; properly store the firearm for transport; and follow the declaration requirements. Hundreds of hunters are failing to declare their firearms when they enter Canada.
What happens if you get caught with a gun in Canada?
Penalties for illegal gun possession in Canada vary significantly but are severe, ranging from fines and probation to significant jail time, with unauthorized possession (s. 91) carrying up to 5 years (indictable) or 2 years less a day (summary), while possessing prohibited/restricted firearms (s. 95/99) or possessing knowing it's unauthorized (s. 92) can lead to up to 10 years, and carrying loaded prohibited/restricted firearms with ammo can result in up to 14 years imprisonment, with some trafficking offenses carrying mandatory minimums.
Do you have to declare a suppressor when flying?
Firearms carried in checked bags must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in.
Is there a difference between a silencer and a suppressor?
There's no physical difference; "silencer" and "suppressor" refer to the same device that attaches to a gun barrel to reduce gunshot noise, but the terms have different connotations: "silencer" is the legal term (National Firearms Act), while "suppressor" is preferred by many for being more accurate, as the device only suppresses sound, not fully silencing it, and also reduces muzzle flash.
Does Walmart carry 223 bullets?
No, Walmart stopped selling .223 caliber ammunition (and 5.56mm) in September 2019, discontinuing sales of ammunition for military-style rifles along with handgun ammunition, though they still sell ammunition for shotguns, deer rifles, and some hunting rifles. The decision was made after the El Paso shooting and aligns with their earlier removal of AR-15 style rifles and age restrictions for firearm purchases.
What is required to own a gun in Hawaii?
If you wish to acquire a handgun or wish to acquire a shotgun or rifle for the first time, you must be at least 21 years old and a United States citizen. You must also apply for a permit to acquire a firearm. If you were not born in the United States, you would need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Can you buy 5.56 at Walmart?
No, Walmart does not sell 5.56 ammo, as they stopped selling ammunition for military-style rifles like the AR-15, including 5.56 and .223 caliber rounds, after 2019, focusing instead on traditional hunting and shotgun ammunition. While they briefly returned some firearm sales in 2020, they maintain their policy against military-style rifle ammunition, which includes 5.56.
What guns are affected by Canada's new ban?
Backgrounder. This 2025 prohibition includes semi-automatic firearms with sustained rapid-fire capability (tactical/military design with large capacity magazine) that are not suitable for hunting or sport shooting, and exceed safe civilian use.
Can you carry a gun on your own property in Canada?
Can I carry a gun in my home in Canada? Yes. The Firearms Act and the Criminal Code of Canada do not specifically regulate that, so you are probably in the clear (if you are licensed, of course). You can carry it around your own property all you want, but I would make sure it's not visible by the public.
Can I legally carry a handgun in Canada?
Carrying handguns and restricted long guns
If you want to request authorization to carry a handgun or restricted long gun for a lawful occupational purpose, you must obtain an Authorization to Carry from the Canadian Firearm Program.
What can't you bring across the Canadian border?
You cannot bring illegal drugs, cannabis (even medical), most firearms/weapons (like pepper spray/mace), fresh fruits/veggies, raw meat, certain live animals/pets, and firewood across the Canadian border without permits; you must also declare items like alcohol, tobacco, large amounts of cash ($10k+), and any food, plant, or animal products, or risk seizure and fines.
Can you fly internationally with a firearm?
If you are traveling internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information and requirements prior to travel. Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
Can I carry a gun in Canada in a car?
Lock non-restricted firearms and locked containers carrying restricted or prohibited firearms in the trunk or in a similar lockable compartment. If the vehicle does not have a trunk or lockable compartment, put firearms and firearm containers out of sight inside the vehicle and lock the vehicle.