The provincial firearms program is heading in a new direction with the appointment of Robert Freberg has the first provincial Chief Firearms Officer.

The Saskatchewan government has been looking to restructuring the firearms program in the province for over a year to find better representation of firearm owners in the province. Previously the CFOs in the province were selected by the federal government. The provincial government decided that they would move to provincial supervision in 2020 and have been working with the federal government since.

Freberg says he’s looking forward to providing for voice for the province. “My commitment is to get out in the field and work strongly with the stakeholders, work with our law enforcement partners and understand the legislation and applying it evenly and equally across the province.”

Now that he has been appointed CFO, Freberg will now administer the Firearms Act in Saskatchewan, which includes jurisdiction over the licensing, storage, transportation and carrying of firearms. The position of CFO is also responsible for licensing instructors who provide firearm safety training in the province.

Bringing Saskatchewan’s concerns to the federal government including Bill C-21 is something Freberg is looking forward to. “Our hope is that having a seat at the table with the federal government now that we can talk about ahead of time and maybe put some other recommendations forward that are more cost effective and maybe more effective in reducing crime and domestic violence.”

Freberg added that’s spent time speaking with the police chiefs in Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw discussing raising awareness on public safety.