The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act
The Manitoba Government wants all Manitobans to feel safe in their homes and communities. The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act establishes restrictions and requirements for the sale of long-bladed weapons sold in Manitoba, including machetes.
The primary focus of the Act is keeping long-bladed weapons out of the hands of youth and those who would use them to harm others, while still allowing for their purchase and use by law-abiding citizens. Manitoba has seen significant success in deterring crime through regulating the retail sale of other products that are misused for criminal purposes. The Act and regulation have been informed by consultations with various groups, including the retail sector, Indigenous organizations, and law enforcement.
Download the Act and its regulation
To report a violation of the Act or its regulation, please contact inspectors with Manitoba’s Public Safety Investigations Unit at 204-945-3475 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-954-9361 (Toll Free outside Winnipeg).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act mean for retailers and customers in Manitoba?
A: Both retailers and their customers must now meet specific requirements for the sale and purchase of long-bladed weapons.
Q: What is a “Long-Bladed Weapon”?
A: This is an edged weapon that meets the criteria and definition set out under The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act and/or its Regulation. The current definition is a machete, knife, sword or other weapon that has a blade at least 30 cm (11.8 inches) long, with a cutting edge or sharpened point.
Q: Does the legislation apply to only long-bladed weapons made of metal?
A: No. The requirements apply to long-bladed weapons that have blades made of the following material:
- metal;
- any ceramic material;
- any carbon fibre material;
- fibreglass reinforced plastic or nylon.
Q: How do I know if a weapon that I’m selling or purchasing is long enough to be considered a long-bladed weapon?
A: The length of the weapon is to be determined by measuring from the base of the blade where it emerges from the handle, along the edge of the longest side of the blade to the tip of the blade.
Q: Will I still be able to purchase a long-bladed weapon?
A: Yes, if you are over 18 years old and produce photo identification, you will still be able to purchase a long-bladed weapon in Manitoba.
Q: What are the requirements for me to purchase a long-bladed weapon?
A: You will need to present valid photo identification to the retailer at the time of purchase and be at least 18 years of age. Retailers will be required to ask for certain information from you and record details of the sales transaction.
Q: What type of photo identification is accepted?
A: Currently, retailers may accept the following valid identification at time of purchase:
- passport;
- driver's licence;
- identification card issued by Manitoba Public Insurance;
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada;
- Manitoba Métis Federation citizenship card;
- NEXUS card;
- Canadian Armed Forces identification card; and
- possession and acquisition licence issued under the Firearms Act (Canada).
Q: Is my personal information kept by the retailer?
A: A retailer is not permitted to copy your photo identification. However, the retailer must keep the following records about the sale on file at their business for at least two years:
- the name of the purchaser as shown on their identification;
- the purchaser's residential address;
- the purchaser's date of birth;
- the type and model of long-bladed weapon sold;
- and the date of sale.
Q: I’m a retailer. Will I still be able to sell long-bladed weapons?
A: Yes, if you satisfy the retailer requirements.
Q: What are my obligations as a retailer?
A: As a retailer selling long-bladed weapons, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- ensure that all long-bladed weapons in your business premises are located or secured in a manner that prevents a member of the public from directly accessing them without assistance from the retailer;
- no sales to individuals who are under 18 years of age;
- require a purchaser to produce valid photo identification before the sale (copying of ID is not permitted);
- record the purchaser’s name (as displayed on their photo identification), residential address, date of birth, type and model of the weapon sold and date of sale;
- retain the sales record on file at your business premises for a minimum of two years from the date of sale; and
- maintain inventory records for each model of long-bladed weapon made available for sale by your business.
Q: What are my obligations for tracking my inventory of long-bladed weapons?
A: You will be required to keep inventory records for:
- how many of each model of long-bladed weapon is at your business premises when the Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act becomes law effective December 31, 2024;
- how many of each model of long-bladed weapon is received at the premises after the Act becomes law.
Q: How will the new law be enforced?
A: Inspectors have been designated from Manitoba’s Public Safety Investigations Unit for the purposes of enforcing the new requirements. They will have powers to enter premises and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with sales restrictions, record keeping, and inventory tracking requirements.
Q: If someone breaks these laws, what are the penalties?
A: If someone does not follow the new requirements they are committing a provincial offence. Penalties can apply to both an individual and a business:
- in the case of an individual, if convicted, the penalty is a fine of not more than $5,000 for a first offence and not more than $10,000 for each subsequent offence;
- in the case of a corporation, if convicted, the penalty is a fine of not more than $25,000 for a first offence and not more than $100,000 for each subsequent offence.
Q: How can I report violations of the Act or its regulation?
A: To report a violation of the Act or its regulations, please contact inspectors with Manitoba’s Public Safety Investigations Unit at 204-945-3475 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-954-9361 (Toll Free outside Winnipeg)
Q: Are there any exemptions from the requirements?
A: Yes. All types of saws purchased in Manitoba are exempt from the requirements in the Act. Hedge trimmers and scissors are also exempt. Retailers where the majority of products sold are a range of kitchenware items are also exempt from the Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act.
Q: Do these restrictions apply to online retailers?
The Act pertains to bricks and mortar retail stores. However, Manitoba Justice has written to major online retailers urging them to comply with the Act when shipping long-bladed weapons to Manitoba addresses.
Q: Will the law or regulation change?
A: The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act and its regulation may be amended in future to consider new information such as types of weapons, size, manufacturing materials, and other aspects of regulating their sales and accessibility to help keep Manitobans safe.