A Canadian Firearm Safety Course for women will be held in Charlottetown on November 20, 21 and 22. This 20-hour course covers all aspects of handguns, shotguns and rifles from safe handling and use, to cleaning and firearm care. "There are usually a few women in the regular gun safety classes, but some have indicated they feel uncomfortable in a male-dominated class and would prefer an all-female course," says Clare Birch, Firearm Safety Coordinator for the Department of Technology and Environment.
Although the course is a prerequisite for obtaining a Firearms Acquisition Certificate, organizers stress that women not planning to acquire firearms in the near future will also be interested in the class.
"More and more women are interested in the shooting sports," said instructor Kate MacQuarrie. "From target shooting and trap and skeet to hunting and biathlon, there is a wealth of activities for all interests and abilities." The course is also an opportunity for women who may not be interested in shooting to become more comfortable with, and knowledgeable about firearms that may be in the home. "Firearm safety is important for all family members," said MacQuarrie.
Although the upcoming class will not include live-firing, it will give all participants ample opportunity to handle a variety of handguns and long guns.
The course will be held November 20, 21 and 22 in the Lecture Theatre at Holland College on the corner of Kent, and Weymouth Streets in Charlottetown. It runs from 7:00 to 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Preregistration is required, and there is a registration fee of $50 which covers all course materials and tests. Successful participants will receive a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) and eligibility to acquire a Firearm Acquisition Certificate (FAC). Under new federal firearm law a FAC is required for the purchase or borrowing of a gun, while an FSC is required to purchase a hunting license.
Women wishing to register for the course should contact the Fish and Wildlife Division at 368-4683. For information on course content, contact Kate MacQuarrie at 892-7513.