The Government of Saskatchewan is extending its firearm safety campaign, “Secure Firearms. Safe Communities,” to reinforce awareness about safety, education, and responsible firearms ownership.
The campaign, led by Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman, emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning, proper storage, licensing, and responsible handling of firearms. Well-known Saskatchewan figures, including Ray Orb, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, and Noland Henderson, Elder and Senator with the Prince Albert Grand Council and Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations, serve as spokespeople for the initiative.
“SARM supports and encourages firearms safety,” expressed Orb. “Responsible firearm owners should follow safety practices, ensure proper storage, obtain their PAL firearms license, and educate family, friends, and neighbors on firearm safety.” The campaign encourages firearm owners to acquire and maintain their Possession and Acquisition License (PAL/RPAL) while emphasizing proper storage practices to enhance community safety.
The province says important safety tips include:
- learning how to safely load, handle and store every firearm you use;
- never pointing a firearm at anyone or anything you don’t want to shoot;
- storing ammunition separately from firearms or by locking it up;
- using the correct ammunition for your firearm;
- unloading all firearms before they are stored or when not in use;
- locking firearms in a cabinet or safe or attaching a secure locking device – such as a trigger or cable lock – to ensure the firearm cannot be fired or stolen;
- ensuring unauthorized individuals do not have access to the keys or combination locks that are used to secure your firearm unless they are licensed and have your permission to use them; and,
storing firearms safely when they are being transported
Chief Firearms Officer Robert Freberg thanked the spokespeople for promoting responsible firearms ownership. The safety tips provided include learning safe firearm handling and storage, using correct ammunition, and securing firearms during transportation. The campaign will utilize radio, billboards, print materials, and digital platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. The initiative began on March 4 and concludes in mid-April, with full-length video advertisements available on saskatchewan.ca/firearms.
