The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) has come out in favour of The Saskatchewan Firearms Act.

The SWF says the “Made in Saskatchewan” legislation will not only ensure and enhance public safety initiatives but will also support and promote responsible firearm use to the province’s firearm community.

S-W-F president David Yorke added, “This act is going to be beneficial by protecting the rights of law-abiding licensed firearm users, including hunters, ranchers, farmers and sport shooters.”

The Saskatchewan Firearms Act became official Friday after passing in the Legislature. Minister responsible Christine Tell reiterated the government’s stance that Saskatchewan needs to have its own firearms legislation to ensure the concerns of responsible firearms owners are taken into account.

It means the provincial government will establish licensing requirements for seizure agents involved in firearms expropriation; require and oversee fair compensation for any firearms being seized; and require forensic and ballistic testing of seized firearms. That will be possible because now the provincial government is shelling out more money to improve the indoor range at Saskatoon Police Headquarters which also house the ballistics lab.

In addition, the Sask. Party government will create an office that oversees administering the new Firearms Act called Central Management and Services. They will administer, have jurisdiction over licensing, storage, transportation and carrying of firearms.

A committee will be struck to determine fair market value for anything firearms related expropriated by the federal government.