What must a firearm owner do if their PAL is lost or stolen?

When a firearm owner loses their Possession and Acquisition License (PAL), it is essential to report it to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). This step is crucial because reporting a lost or stolen PAL helps to prevent misuse or fraudulent activities associated with the license. The RCMP maintains records of such reports, which can be important in the event that the lost license is recovered or if there are any legal implications arising from its misuse.

Failing to report the loss can leave the owner vulnerable to issues, and it may complicate the process of obtaining a replacement. Furthermore, it's a legal requirement to report the loss or theft of a PAL to ensure public safety and accountability. This protective measure reflects the serious nature of firearm ownership under Canadian law.

The other options, such as waiting for the PAL to be found, obtaining a new one without reporting, or notifying friends and family, do not address the legal obligations associated with the loss of a PAL and could result in significant consequences for the firearm owner.