OTTAWA, May 29, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, issued a statement to mark the passage of Bill C-42, the Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act, through third reading in the House of Commons.

"Our Government is pleased to follow through on our plan to support law-abiding firearms owners while keeping communities safe and secure. With the adoption today by the House of Commons, this significant bill now moves to the Senate for the next stage of the legislative process.

I introduced the Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act in the House of Commons on Oct. 7, 2014, to help achieve our government's goal of enshrining safe and sensible firearms policies. Among other things, the Bill calls for mandatory safety training for potential first-time owners, a streamlined licensing system and no more requirement to carry a separate document to transport firearms to such activities as target practice or a competition at a shooting range.

Our Government has always stood up for law-abiding hunters, farmers and sport-shooters. Our Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act, simplifies and provides clarity to the firearms regime and reduces administrative burdens for law abiding firearms owners while protecting the safety of Canadians."

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada