In British Columbia the CORE program gives you your hunting number permit. Then you must take a totaly different course on safetey and gun handling, this course is Canada wide, it goes threw various types of firearms, types of of actions,know how to differentiate between calibers and gauges muzzleloaders. If the course is taken and passed on both the written and practical test. You are entitled somewhat to a Possessession and Aquisition Licence.A form is filled out questions are asked about your personal history, and is sent away.Generally for most people a licence is givin to you, some are turned down, but there probably is good reason for it.A course and a test shouldn't be all you need background checks are mandtaory up here, I agree with that. But once you get that license in the mail,it permits you to own, borrow, buy sell trade posess non restricted firearms.If you want restricted firearms (eg. a handgun) you must take another course and pass course after you recieve your unrestricted PAL to get both the restricted and unrestricted PAL permit.Very involved, lots of hours spent, but that's not a bad thing.Our annual Canada wide hunting accident track record speaks for itself.