No, owning a flamethrower in Canada is prohibited under the Explosives Act and Criminal Code, with exceptions for industrial or military use requiring federal permits.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Canada
- Federal Prohibition: The Explosives Act (administered by Natural Resources Canada) classifies flamethrowers as restricted explosives, banning civilian ownership. Violations may result in fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment under the Criminal Code.
- Provincial Firearms Acts: Provinces like Ontario and Quebec explicitly prohibit flamethrowers under firearm regulations, with enforcement by local authorities (e.g., Ontario Provincial Police).
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Amendments to the Explosives Regulations (effective 2026) tighten licensing for industrial flamethrowers, mandating enhanced safety inspections by provincial fire marshals.
Exceptions exist for licensed pyrotechnicians or film productions, but these require prior approval from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local fire departments.