Shooting sports in Canada


Shooting sports in Canada are practised in various ways across the country. Canadians enjoy the sports at recreational and competitive levels, including international and at the Olympic level. 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.

History of shooting sports in Canada

National shooting organizations

The Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights is the only pro-firearm rights organization in Canada with an in-house registered lobbyist.https://firearmrights.ca/en/ 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 three main advocacy groups, Canada has a number of national governing bodies for various shooting sports.

Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights

The CCFR is the public relations arm of the Canadian firearms community and the only organization with an in-house registered lobbyist. The CCFR is a national advocacy organization with massive grass roots initiatives. These messaging experts have successfully represented Canadian firearms owners in the media, at Parliament Hill and in the general public. The CCFR boasts a full range of insurance packages for individuals and ranges and clubs. A recent public relations campaign dubbed the Explainer Video Series has given Canadian firearms enthusiasts the tools they need to successfully debate and defend their sport.

Canadian Shooting Sports Association

The Canadian Shooting Sports Association was formed when the highly respected Ontario Handgun Association and the Ontario Smallbore Federation 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 '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 ensure 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 is the national sport organization for target shooting sports in Canada. The SFC is responsible for the promotion, development and governing of organized, recreational and competitive target shooting in Canada.
The 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 Shooting Federation of Canada.
The SFC issues multiple awards every year to Canadian athletes that distinguish themselves in their shooting sport. The SFC similarly hosts the annual National Championships for the disciplines falling under pistol, rifle, skeet and trap shooting.
The Shooting Federation of Canada is part of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Canadian University Shooting Federation

The Canadian University Shooting Federation is a national non-profit organization established in January 2018, which promotes amateur sport shooting for post-secondary students in Canada.
Programs include Smallbore Rifle, Trap and Skeet. To administer these leagues the CUSF works with sporting organizations such as the SFC, NSSA, and ATA, among others. In 2020 there was 19 affiliated clubs at schools across Canada. The organization is apolitical, open to all, and promotes safe and responsible firearms use.
The Canadian University Shooting Federation has an active application for Registered Canadian Amateur Athletic Association charitable status.

National Sporting Clays Association Canada

The National Sporting Clays Association 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 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 is the Canadian affiliate of the IDPA. The International Defensive Pistol Association 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 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.

Alberta

Nunavut