Firearms Requests Originating from British Columbia

As a result of employee retirements and departures over the last year, the National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS) has reduced processing capacity in the Firearms and Toolmark Identification program. More specifically, attrition has resulted in approximately 50% reduction in processing capacity for requests associated with serious firearms offenses received across Canada.

Furthermore, British Columbia’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General recently announced the establishment of a new provincial firearms laboratory.

In view of our reduced capacity and the commencement of firearms services in British Columbia, NFLS’ Forensic Assessment Centre (FAC), until further notice, will no longer accept requests requiring forensic firearms analysis from agencies within British Columbia effective 2021-May-08 (except in limited scenarios*). This measure has been taken to reduce service delivery duplication and maximize NFLS resources in remaining service areas.

For convenience, please consult the list of potential Alternate Firearms Service Providers in BC at the following link: Firearms Alternative Service Suppliers

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*NFLS will only consider requests:

1) if blood is believed to be present on the firearm and it was used as a weapon causing injury or death, submit the firearm to NFLS for swabbing and DNA processing.

2) with documented CGIIG – BC Provincial Forensic Firearms Laboratory rejection rationale based on inability to perform the following:

• Velocity Testing – non conventional firearms (air guns and homemade firearms)

• black powder firearms

• Shock/Accidental Discharge Testing

• Muzzle to Target Distance Determination

• firearms requiring machine shop equipment to make operational