Evaluation of the Transfer Payment Program for the Canadian Firearms Program - Summary

About the program

The Transfer Payment Program (TPP) is a voted payment program under the RCMP's Canadian Firearms Program (CFP), implemented in 1997 as a result of provisions of the Firearms Act.

The TPP consists of two elements:

1. Firearms Funding Program for Opt-in Provinces: Provinces may enter into an agreement with the Government of Canada in administering the Firearms Act with a provincially appointed Chief Firearms Officer (CFO). There are currently contribution agreements with five provinces – New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island. Provinces that are not part of the TPP fall under a federally run program administered by federal CFOs.
2. Aboriginal and/or Other Communities and Organizations (AOCO) Contribution Funding Program: Funding and support are provided to Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups and organizations to ensure education on firearms legislation is available and to facilitate the application of, and compliance with, the Firearms Act.

What we examined

The evaluation assessed the relevance and performance of the TPP during fiscal years (FY) 2014-15 to 2018-19. Multiple lines of evidence were analyzed to support the findings and recommendations of the report.

What we found

The evaluation found that the TPP continues to fulfill a need in ensuring firearms safety and compliance with the Firearms Act by supporting the administration of the Firearms Act through opt-in provinces, and ensuring Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups and organizations are provided information and education on firearms safety. These objectives are aligned with departmental and government-wide priorities to enhance public safety through firearms safety training and raising awareness within communities.

While roles and responsibilities are documented for both the RCMP and recipients, there was less clarity around the RCMP's role in certain operational activities.

The two elements of the TPP were effectively implemented. Through legislation and contribution agreements between the CFP and TPP funding recipients, key aspects of the program such as roles and responsibilities, policies, procedures, oversight mechanisms, the collection and reporting of performance information, and service standards were in place to ensure the effective administration of the Firearms Act and support for AOCO recipients.

While the TPP was generally effective, areas for improvement were identified, such as the need for more standardization of procedures and more communication from the CFP to opt-in provinces.

There have been efforts to enhance service delivery of the TPP. However, further improvements such as providing enhanced web-based services were suggested as means to enhance the efficiency of the TPP.

Lastly, there was evidence that additional funding for both elements of the TPP is needed to support work volumes and to help deliver more firearms safety courses to communities; however, the impacts from current program efficiencies and/or contributions from provincial governments could not be determined.

What we recommend

Based on the findings of the evaluation, the following recommendation was made:

For more information or to view the full report, please visit our website.

Date modified:

2020-12-09