Executors of estates with prohibited firearms

As an executor of an estate, you may generally possess firearms left in the estate for a reasonable amount of time while the estate is being settled, even if you are not personally licensed to possess them.

Executors are responsible for determining whether they are in compliance with the law.

If you are an executor of an estate in this situation, and the estate includes eligible, prohibited firearms, you may participate in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), by following the steps below.

1. You must contact the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) to complete and submit a Declaration of Authority to Act on Behalf of an Estate (PDF)
   • This form confirms your role as executor and provides information regarding the deceased
2. Call the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program contact centre to request a paper-based declaration form
   • You must provide the contact centre with the following information:
     • Your name
     • Phone number and email address
     • Name of the deceased Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) holder and their PAL number
   • Estate executors cannot use the program's online portal to participate in the program
3. Complete and mail, or fax, the paper forms
   • Follow the instructions to complete the forms and return them to the program
4. Once the ASFCP forms are received, the ASFCP will contact you with next steps