Shooting sports in Canada are practiced in various ways across the country. Canadians enjoy the sports at recreational and competitive levels. Each province has its own organizations that govern the various disciplines. Many of the disciplines are connected nationally and some are part of larger international organizations.
Contents
- National shooting organizations
- Canadian Shooting Sports Association
- National Firearms Association
- Shooting Federation of Canada
- National Sporting Clays Association Canada
- Dominion of Canada Rifle Association
- International Defensive Pistol Association Canada
- International Practical Shooting Confederation Canada
- The Silhouette Rifle Association of Canada
- Shooting sports organizations by province and territory
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Nunavut
- Yukon
- Others
- References
National shooting organizations
The Canadian Shooting Sports Association and the National Firearms Association are Canada's main firearm advocacy associations. They work at the national level to promote and protect the shooting sports. These organizations were created in reaction to increasing laws and regulations governing ownership and use of firearms in Canadian society. They are independent of one another, but share the common goals of promoting firearm culture, education, and safety.
In addition to the two main advocacy groups, Canada has a number of national governing bodies for various shooting sports.
Canadian Shooting Sports Association
The Canadian Shooting Sports Association (CSSA)[1] was formed when the highly respected Ontario Handgun Association (OHA) and the Ontario Smallbore Federation (OSF) joined. The OHA has been a leader in Canada‘s firearms community since 1957 and the OSF has represented smallbore rifle shooters in Ontario since 1959. These two organizations saw the need for all shooters to band together for the protection of their property and sports. Since this early start in Ontario, the CSSA has grown into a national organization with representation and membership in every province.
The CSSA supports, promotes, and sponsors all of the shooting sports. They conduct numerous training courses and grant certification for Range Officers and Safety Officers. The CSSA is also politically active at the provincial and federal levels of government.
National Firearms Association
The National Firearms Association (NFA)'s priority is defending the firearms rights of law-abiding Canadians. They operate at the national level promoting and protecting all aspects of safe and responsible use of firearms to insure the shooting sports and related activities continue to prosper in Canada.
The NFA also provides legal information and assistance concerning fair and practical firearm and property rights legislation.
Through their publication, The Canadian Firearms Journal, they offer up to date information on various shooting sports ad related topics around the country. These include safety and legal issues, various events and competitions, marksmanship and hunting articles, and historical information.
Shooting Federation of Canada
The Shooting Federation of Canada (SFC) began in 1932 as the "Canadian Small Bore Rifle Association." After the Second World War, the CSBA changed its name to the "Canadian Civilian Association of Marksmen." It used this name until December 2, 1964. Since then it has been known as the The Shooting Federation of Canada. The SFC is the national sport governing body and is responsible for the promotion, development and governing of organized, recreational and competitive target shooting in Canada. The Federation represents all Canadian firearm owners and works to protect and promote firearm owners’ rights, property and sports.
The SFC issues multiple awards every year to Canadian athletes that distinguish themselves in their shooting sport. They also publish a national magazine titled AIM.
The Shooting Federation of Canada is part of the Canadian Olympic Committee.
National Sporting Clays Association Canada
The National Sporting Clays Association Canada (NSCA Canada) is a country affiliate of the NSCA, the largest sporting clays association in the world and the governing body for the sport in the U.S and Canada. The NSCA Canada keeps records of members’ scores in competition, registers shoots for affiliated clubs and associations, holds a National Championship each year, and provides awards for outstanding achievements.
Dominion of Canada Rifle Association
The Dominion of Canada Rifle Association (DCRA) is the national governing body for fullbore target shooting, to promote and support the pursuit of excellence in military and civilian marksmanship as a positive and significant contribution to Canada, to shooting sports and the safe handling of firearms.
International Defensive Pistol Association Canada
The International Defensive Pistol Association Canada (IDPA Canada) is the Canadian affiliate of the IDPA. The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the international governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real life encounters.
International Practical Shooting Confederation Canada
The International Practical Shooting Confederation Canada (IPSC Canada) is the Canadian affiliate of the International Practical Shooting Confederation.
The Silhouette Rifle Association of Canada
The Silhouette Rifle Association of Canada is the governing body for Rifle Metallic Silhouette Target Shooting in Canada. S.R.A.C. sanctions the Canadian National Rifle Silhouette Championships hosted each year by one of the participating provincial silhouette associations. The Canadian Nationals adhere to NRA silhouette rules and regulations. )
Shooting sports organizations by province and territory
Due to variations in culture and laws the available shooting sports can vary greatly by province and territory.