Revolvers
26 March 2007

With regards to the revolver issue, Canadian law has made it necessary for us to become unique in the way we will have to consider revolver barrel length. From this point forward, revolvers will be permitted in their respective classes with up to a six (6) inch barrel. This should satisify our few but important none the less, revolvers shooters in Canada.

Steve Shirely
IDPA Canada National Director

Compact Guns
15 December 2008

After consideration of the unique laws in Canada, your exemption is granted for the use of 106mm "factory" barrels in Canada for compact guns. This will only apply to guns imported and changed to meet Canadian law. These barrels must in all other respects be the same as a standard factory barrel with the exception of slightly longer length.

These guns would be legal for SSP, ESP and CDP as long as they meet all other division criteria. As well as being legal for use in Canada, these models would be legal for any Canadian citizen to use in matches in the US as long as all US and Canadian Laws are met.

Thank you,
Robert Ray
International Defensive Pistol Association

Canadian Forces/Police Tactical Team Holster Exemption
1 July 2009

In response to a specific request from the staff of General M Jorgansen, Commander LFWA, Canadian we are today pleased to announce the following rules exception for members of the Regular Armed Forces, Reserve , R.C.M.P. Emergency Response Teams and Municipal Police Forces S.W.A.T. members.

The above personnel are permitted to shoot for score and participate in all IDPA Club and Sanctioned Matches wearing and utilizing thigh rig holsters under the following conditions:

1. They must be a current serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces, R.C.M.P or Municipal Police force as evidenced by personnel I.D.
2. They must be current I.D.P.A. members.
3. Canadian Armed Forces participants must utilize the following equipment:

a. helmet;
b. ballistic eye wear/hearing protection;
c. CADPAT (combat uniform);
d. tactical vest (fragmentation vest not required for competition) complete (necessary for holster storage); and
e. thigh holster (must be secured with a strap, flap, or similar retention device. While shoulder holsters have been issued, they are incompatible with frag vest/tac vest. They cannot be used in competition for obvious reasons.
4. R.C.M.P. E.R.T. and Municipal Police S.W.A.T. team members must wear there full response gear including helmet if issued.
5. Those members of the three groups above may shoot for score and qualify for awards in all I.D.P.A. Club events and Sanctioned Matches.
I.D.P.A. Canada is pleased that our Armed Forces see value in our sport for their combat troops and we are equally pleased to be able to provide tangible support for our troops.

NOTE: Under no circumstances are civilians to be accorded the privilege of using thigh holsters at I.D.P.A. Club events, Club Matches or Sanctioned Matches. Thigh holsters may only be used by the groups identified above under the stipulated conditions. Should members of the identified groups elect to shoot outside of this exception they then must abide by the rules outlined in the Rule Book for civilian shooters. Regular members of the R.C.M.P. and Municipal Police Forces who are not E.R.T. or S.W.A.T. members may continue to compete wearing their duty belt gear as before, provided they carry all their duty gear on the belt as issued. They are not subject to cover garment requirements. They may not opt for wearing a thigh rig.

Bob Bonenfant
IDPA Area Coordinator - Canada