7.3 Firearms and Offensive Weapons

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This online version is for convenience; the official version of this policy is housed in the University Secretariat. In case of discrepancy between the online version and the official version held by the Secretariat, the official version shall prevail.

Approving Authority: President

Original Approval Date: November 9, 1992

Date of Most Recent Review/Revision: November 18, 2011

Office of Accountability: VP: Finance and Operations

Administrative Responsibility: Special Constable Services

Purpose

1.00 Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community. Accordingly, no person shall store, use, or carry a weapon on any university campus or other Wilfrid Laurier University controlled facility.

Definitions

2.01 A ‘university controlled facility’ includes any property, building, or space leased, owned, or controlled by Wilfrid Laurier University.

2.02 A ‘weapon’ is defined as anything used, designed to be used, or intended for use in causing death or injury to any person or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person, or a device designed to look like a weapon. (Criminal Code of Canada Section 2 and 84) Examples of weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms, explosives (including fireworks), BB guns, paint guns, crossbows, long bows, swords, martial arts weapons, prohibited blades, combat knives, brass knuckles, Tasers, mace, pepper spray, replica or imitation firearms including toys and any other prohibited devices as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada.

For a complete list and definitions of firearms, other weapons, devices and ammunition that are prohibited by law, refer to the “Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted” as listed in the Criminal Code of Canada.

Policy

3.01 It is forbidden to be in possession of weapons (including explosives), ammunition, bullets, cartridges and/or firearms of any kind on any campus or other Wilfrid Laurier University controlled facility.

3.02 Items such as swords, archery equipment such as bows, crossbows, arrows, knives with blades over four inches, paint ball guns, replica firearms, sling shots or any other homemade weapon that may be possessed legally, must be stored at an off campus facility. Those persons wishing to store an item or to obtain special permission to use a legal weapon at a university controlled facility (eg. martial arts demonstration or club) should contact Special Constable Services for more information.

3.03 Exceptions include Police Officers, Peace Officers or Licensed Guards carrying issue weapons in the performance of their duties. 

3.04 This policy exempts ceremonial knives carried or used to meet religious obligations.