Safari Club International (SCI) has taken a significant step to protect the interests of hunters in Canada and around the world by filing a motion to intervene in a closely watched firearms case pending before the Supreme Court of Canada. The appeal challenges Canada's prohibition on certain "assault-style" firearms and the government's related confiscation program, which affect numerous firearms commonly used for lawful hunting.
The underlying appeal is being led by the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, Canada's leading pro-firearm advocacy organization. To date no hunting organization has sought to participate in the case. If approved, to intervene SCI would become the only organization directly representing hunters' interests before Canada's highest court.
"SCI has a responsibility to ensure hunters have a voice in legal decisions that directly impact their ability to pursue their traditions and heritage," said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. "This case is about more than firearms policy—it is about ensuring that courts understand the practical consequences these restrictions have on hunters, conservation, and outdoor traditions."
SCI's intervention focuses on the real-world impacts of firearm prohibitions on Canadian hunters, international hunters who travel to Canada, Canada's multi-billion-dollar hunting economy, and the hunting heritage of rural communities. SCI will provide the Court with its expertise regarding hunting methods and the lawful use of firearms for hunting and legal sporting purposes.
Thousands of SCI members reside in Canada or travel there to hunt, and many are directly affected by the restrictions. SCI's filing explains that commonly owned firearms used by hunters are now subject to prohibition and confiscation despite their longstanding lawful use for hunting and sporting purposes. SCI opposes sweeping bans that prohibit firearms long relied upon by hunters across the globe and are widely accepted as safe, legal, and effective tools for the ethical pursuit of game species. These measures have removed from use many firearms with a long history of responsible ownership and lawful hunting across Canada.
"Hunters deserve representation in a case that significantly influence the future of firearm ownership in Canada and directly impact longstanding hunting traditions," said CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. "SCI has a long history of defending hunters' rights in courts across the United States, and we look forward to standing up for hunters rights in Canada."