QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Public Safety
Chief Firearms Officers
April 21, 2026
Minister, my question stems from Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms).
On December 13, 2023, during third reading of the bill, I spoke to the concerns regarding the chief firearms officers, or CFOs, for the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, residing in Surrey, Edmonton and Winnipeg, respectively.
On December 5, 2023, the then-Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc wrote to the Premier of the Northwest Territories, stating his commitment to appoint resident CFOs in the territories.
On October 20, 2025, in the Senate National Security and Defence Committee, I questioned you on the appointment of the CFOs for each territory. On that date, you said, “I am going to commit to a timeline of January of 2026 to complete those appointments.”
Can you please update us on the status of these resident CFO appointments?
Thank you, senator, for that question. Yes, I did commit to that timeline. Unfortunately, I do not have that information with me today. However, I will be able to share that with you within the next 24 hours.
During the same committee meeting, I queried the consultation that was to occur prior to the appointments of the resident CFOs.
Tricia Geddes, Deputy Minister, Public Safety Canada, said at your behest, “I’m very happy to provide you with a list of dates and names shortly.” To date, I have yet to receive this list.
Minister, can you provide me a suitable timeline for when the information requested and promised will be provided?
Tricia Geddes is the Deputy Minister of Public Safety, and I will ensure that information is brought to your attention.
