In Canada, regulations governing the possession and purchase of body armour vary by province and territory. As of March 7, 2025, the following updated regulations apply:
General Provision for PAL/RPAL Holders:
• Across all provinces and territories, individuals possessing a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or Restricted PAL (RPAL) are permitted to own body armour.
• The possession of body armour is often seen as an additional safety measure for firearm owners, providing extra protection.
• The PAL/RPAL system ensures that those purchasing body armour have undergone background checks and met criteria related to firearm ownership.
Unrestricted Provinces (Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia):
• Individuals may possess body armour without a permit if they hold a valid firearms license issued under the Firearms Act (Canada).
• There are no specific regulations restricting the possession of any kind of body armour.
Alberta:
• The Body Armour Control Act, enacted in June 2012, requires individuals acquiring body armour to obtain a permit, unless exempted (e.g., police officers).
• Anyone possessing body armour was required to obtain a permit by December 15, 2012, or dispose of the body armour. Possession without a permit became a chargeable offense after this deadline.
• Reference: Alberta’s Body Armour Control Act
British Columbia:
• Under the Body Armour Control Act and Regulation, individuals must have a permit to possess body armour, or a valid PAL/RPAL license.
• Businesses selling body armour to individuals without a permit may face fines and jail time, while individuals possessing body armour without a permit could also face penalties.
• Reference: British Columbia’s Body Armour Control Act
Manitoba:
• Regulations in Manitoba require individuals to obtain a permit to possess body armour unless exempted. Sellers of body armour must have a license, and buyers must have a valid PAL/RPAL.
• Reference: Manitoba Bill 14
New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, and North-West Territories:
• A special license is required to purchase and possess body armour in these provinces and territories. Sellers must have a license, and buyers must possess a valid PAL/RPAL.
Nova Scotia:
• Special licensing may be required to purchase and possess body armour. Sellers must have a license, and buyers must possess a valid PAL/RPAL.
• Reference: Nova Scotia Bill #32