In Canuckistan, ya gotta have a POL or a PAL. The PAL, Possession and Aquisition License requires passing the Canada Firearms Safety Course Test and submitting a lengthy application (which MUST be "signed off" by the spouse) after which a thorough background check takes place. A picture ID card with code and with magnetic strip is then issued and is valid for five years.

The POL, Possession Only, was to cover persons who owned guns prior to the new laws brought in back in the 80s (think it was the 80s?). They did not have to take the course. However, very few people, if ANY, who legally own guns in Canada are ignorant of proper handling, safety and storage.

Now, the criminals, on the other hand....