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“We are open to Saskatchewan appointing its own Chief Firearms Officer, as is allowed by law,” said a statement from January.

Photo by TROY FLEECE / Regina Leader-Post

Moe framed his announcement as part of a broader push for provincial autonomy. During his speech to SARM, he detailed several other files in which Saskatchewan is seeking more control over its destiny, including expanding pipeline capacity and setting up its own trade offices.

“This is just another step, if you will, in our province exerting our autonomy,” he told reporters after his announcement.

The province has previously expressed concern over a stricter federal position on gun control, including plans to outlaw some semi-automatic rifles and allow cities to ban handguns.

Moe referenced that on Wednesday, saying the decision for a provincial appointment was made “in light of the federal government indicating that they are going to make some quite sweeping changes to firearms legislation.”

But he declined to criticize the work or competence of the current federal appointee.

“We’re doing exactly what a number of other provinces have already done,” he said.

Asked if he would ensure that a provincial appointee still interprets stricter firearms laws as written and ensures it’s properly enforced, Moe said it wouldn’t be his place to tell the chief firearms officer how to do so.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has also mused about the possibility of appointing his province’s chief firearms officer, saying in November that a provincial panel will consider that option.

Chief firearms officers have responsibility for decisions around transfers, licensing and other authorizations.

awhite-crummey@postmedia.com