Saskatchewan Firearms Office, Metis Nation Saskatchewan strengthen firearms safety partnership

Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO) and Metis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) have reaffirmed their commitment to firearms safety education with a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed today. 

The agreement aims to enhance firearms education and licensing opportunities for Metis citizens, ensuring both public safety and the protection of Métis traditions.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between the two organizations, with a focus on promoting responsible firearm ownership. 

Key objectives include increasing firearms licences among MN-S citizens, minimizing unnecessary criminalization for regulatory offences, advocating for appropriate compensation for seized firearms, and protecting gun owners’ rights.

Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod emphasized the government’s dedication to both safety and responsible firearm ownership.

“Our government is committed to promoting public safety within all communities and protecting the rights of all lawful firearms owners,” McLeod said. 

“Through this partnership, we want to encourage responsible firearm ownership and support Metis traditions in a way that keeps people informed and protected.”

MN-S President Glen McCallum echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of passing down Metis harvesting traditions responsibly.

“Firearms safety education is of the utmost importance to our MN-S government to ensure our Metis harvesting traditions are responsibly passed down to the next generation,” McCallum said. 

“We are pleased the Saskatchewan Firearms Office wants to continue to strengthen our working relationship with a recommitment to work together on educational programs based on current and incoming firearms regulations.”

As part of the agreement, the SFO will work with MN-S to deliver firearms education programs, provide training materials for MN-S community centres, and assist Metis citizens in becoming fully licensed and legally compliant firearms owners.

Saskatchewan Firearms Office Commissioner Robert Freberg highlighted the benefits of this collaboration.

“The Saskatchewan Firearms Office is proud to partner with MN-S again to ensure Metis citizens have the knowledge to legally use and store firearms safely,” Freberg said. 

“Greater compliance increases public safety, and through this partnership, we will contribute to a safer Saskatchewan for our communities.”

This MOU marks the second agreement between the SFO and MN-S on firearms education, further strengthening their ongoing partnership. It underscores a shared commitment to ensuring Metis citizens can continue their traditional practices while adhering to legal and safety standards.