Red Flag resources and common questions

Canada’s Red Flag Laws aim to protect people from weapons in high-risk situations. You may want to apply for an emergency order if you’re worried about someone’s access to guns or other weapons.

On this page you can find:

This information is for everyone — whether you’re worried about your own safety, helping someone you know, or providing professional support.

Answers to questions about Red Flag Laws

Anyone can apply for an Emergency Prohibition/Limitations on Access Order if they think someone’s likely to cause harm.

For example, you might be a:

  • survivor of violence
  • family member
  • friend
  • neighbour
  • support worker
  • service provider
  • community member

You don’t need the police or a lawyer to apply, and there’s no cost.

If you apply for an order against someone, they usually won’t be told until the order is granted. If the order isn’t granted, they won’t be told about it.

You can ask for privacy protection when you apply. This helps keep your information private during the process. It can include:

  • removing information that identifies you from public court documents
  • keeping court records private from the public for a short time
  • restricting access to sensitive information
  • closing the hearing to the public and media

It’s a good idea to use other protections as well. Ottawa Victim Services can help you come up with a safety plan.

No, you don’t have to go through the police to apply for an emergency order. You can make an application directly to a judge at your local courthouse. You can do this whether you’ve told the police about what’s happening or not.

No, you don’t need a lawyer to apply for an Emergency Prohibition/Limitations on Access Order. It can be a good idea to use support services to help you understand your options before you take legal action. You can get free Independent Legal Advice (ILA) if you’re a survivor of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, or sexual violence. ILA is a confidential service given by organizations like the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic.

No, it is free to apply for an Emergency Prohibition/Limitations on Access Order.

An Emergency Prohibition/Limitations on Access Order usually lasts up to 30 days, but can sometimes lead to further restrictions. They’re designed to reduce immediate risk and create time to put longer-term safety plans in place.

No, an Emergency Prohibition/Limitations on Access Order is not a criminal charge and does not result in a criminal record. It’s designed to prevent harm, not punish people.

The danger may still be real, even if a judge decides not to issue an emergency order, or to cancel one. There are organizations that can help you. You may want to:

Read our tip sheet on what happens if an emergency order isn’t granted. 

After an emergency order ends or is cancelled, a Chief Firearms Officer may look at whether the person is still allowed to have a firearms licence under firearms laws. If they aren’t, their licence may be paused or taken away.

In longer-term court cases, courts may try to balance safety with practical considerations. For example, they might consider whether the person uses firearms for their job or to protect crops and livestock. However, they should always put people’s safety first.

It’s important to create a safety plan for when the emergency order ends. You can get help from Ottawa Victim Services or other support services.

Where to get support

Reach out to Ottawa Victim Services or find a support service that’s right for you. Our list of support services includes those for 2SLGBTQIA+, African, Caribbean, Black, and Indigenous peoples, as well as survivors of violence, sexual assault, crime, and loss of a loved one.

You can get free Independent Legal Advice (ILA) if you’re a survivor of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, or sexual violence. ILA is a confidential service given by organizations like the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic.

Where to learn more about Red Flag Laws

If you’re applying for an emergency order or just want to know more:

If an emergency order has been made against you:

If you work in law, support services, or similar: