How long does it take? I sent mine in on the 15th of September, when do you think I should start to wonder about it?

You and me both as I did my renewall about the same time, I think its expected to be about 6 weeks but could be as long as 8.
If there is an issue they will contact you and they are usually pretty good, not sure what to do if things go south.

Thank you, it was interesting getting the PAL, but I don't want to have to do it again.

Richard--why would you bother with one--surely your not gonna buy ammo in Canada.

Thanks Karl, I got the PAL five years ago, and picked two Cooey's in Canada, a twenty gauge, and a 22.

The Canada customs man was a bit surly last August when I declared the shotgun shells. He calmed down when I produced the PAL card.

I get your point about the price of ammo, for sure.

So, I got my application kicked back at me. I guess since I am a nonresident, they want my local police to run a background check. Then I have to send that back. I wonder if I was stopped on the road, how much would come up on the computer?

I received my pal renewal ahead of schedule just the other day. If you were stopped and they asked you to produce your pal then there would be a problem, however I have never been asked by the mounties nor a conservation officer for a pal. Fact is many mounties dont know the law regarding gun laws in Canada and if my pal was slow in coming it wouldn't stop me from hunting in my home province.

Richard--does it cost you for a background check locally?
I have been involved with adult education classes here locally for many years now--we have a guy from Thunder Bay come down and teach the Pal course every couple of years or so. I help with the paperwork and application process--as you know it's a 4 page application with pictures and guarantors etc.--furthmore if you are aboriginal there is an additional 5 page application so you don't have to pay the $60 processing fee.
You wouldn't believe how many get tossed back for some really weird reasons. I once had a native couple where the husband was a C-31 Indian--that means he got his status back after 1985--his wife was born an Indian and duly registered as such--hers was rejected when I called the 1-800 number and asked about it I was told she didn't look Indian enough. I wish I could have had that conversation recorded.
Here's something else I noticed--I know a number of people who have had firearms confiscated--sometimes they get them back if they jump thru the proper hoops but they never get any clips back with them. If they aren't disposing of them regularly I'll bet there is a big box of .303 clips at the local OPP station.
If you keep at it you will eventually get your PAL --the powers that be are just letting you know who the Kings Regents really are.

Karl, five years ago, the county sheriff's office did not charge, I was told, there will be a charge for a fax. I'm getting short on time. You are so spot on the powers that be.

Best bet is to start calling them about 3 weeks before the expiry, ....they're understaffed and seem to like taking their time Just to let you know they have control. Lots of folks have had a long wait recently, .....often beyond their expiry.

I just called the office in Orillia, Ontario, They received the fax my local sheffif's office sent yesterday. I hope the card arrives soon.

Mine was delayed because of an altercation I had .I was threatened and stood my ground and there was a police report. I was told directly this held it up until I was interviewed by them. After we spoke it was issued and I was treated respectfully.

I've been asked to produce a PAL by a mountie. My last one took over 6 months and they deliberately held onto it until my current one had expired. Had my friendly MP straighten them out for me, got it in 3 days after that phone call.

I received the card today.