Certification
Our lead instructor, Bruce Macdonald (Instructor # ON1268), holds designation as a Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC & CRFSC) Instructor and Examiner by the Chief Firearms Officer of Ontario. Bruce has completed training in the latest Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario (FSESO) Best Practices, keeping his knowledge current and aligned with provincial standards.
Beyond conducting courses, Bruce Macdonald also plays a major role assisting the FSESO in the training, development, qualification, and CFO designation of new CFSC & CRFSC instructors. Bruce is designated as a FSESO Instructor Mentor and Instructor Auditor. In this crucial role he is trusted to assess the program delivery of new instructors and observe existing instructors to assist the FSESO with ensuring continued compliance with CFO requirements.
Bruce also contributes to the development of industry standards and best practices as a member of the Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario Training Committee. This FSESO Training Committee establishes, maintains and refines FSESO training standards and course materials for all CFSC & CRFSC firearms instructors in Ontario.
Bruce takes great pride in serving the FSESO in these trusted roles and as a model for other instructors.

Firearms Instructors must be formally delegated by the Chief Firearms Officer of Ontario (CFO) to administer exams. The RCMP Canadian Firearm Program is a federal program the Canadian Firearms Safety Course that is administered within each province by that Chief Firearms Officer (CFO). The CFO within each province is the regulatory body that certifies Canadian Firearms Safety Course Instructors and examiners.
Story
Bruce has over 35 years of experience with firearms and shooting, starting with service as a soldier in the Canadian Forces and continuing through many years of military and civilian marksmanship competition. During his military service, Bruce proudly served overseas during the Balkan conflict in the early 1990’s (Croatia and Bosnia). He also competed in national level Military Service Rifle, Sniper Rifle, and Biathlon competitions.
As a civilian, Bruce has participated in many shooting disciplines including: Police Pistol Combat; Bullseye Pistol; International Practical Shooting Competition; Canadian Defensive Pistol; and many different Smallbore Rifle competitions. Bruce has also been an avid hunter and outdoorsman for over 35 years.
Bruce is currently employed as a Forensic Analyst for a federal law enforcement Crime Laboratory. During the Law Enforcement phase of his career, he has held several firearms specific roles have which enhanced his abilities to develop, and deliver advanced firearms concepts to audiences of all levels of ability.
He is proud to provide clear and concise courses, free of the many popular misconceptions and misinformation that circulates in the public.

Commitment to safety
Ottawa Firearm Safety is a company committed to making Canadian Firearms Safety Courses more accessible in the City of Ottawa. We want to provide the public with all the information needed to start your firearms licence application.
Ottawa Firearm Safety is a company that is proud to serve all of Ottawa and its surrounding areas.
Collaboration
We will collaborate with highly qualified instructors located in Ottawa and throughout the Ottawa Valley in order to facilitate more course offerings. Any instructor we work with is certified by the Chief Firearms Officer of Ontario, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for firearms safety and instruction.
However, we will only continue to work with instructors in the area that are proven to be reliable, trustworthy, and vetted by Ottawa Firearm Safety to meet our own highest standards for excellence, honor, honesty, and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Instructor at Ottawa Firearm Safety
Who is the instructor at Ottawa Firearm Safety?
Bruce Macdonald (Instructor # ON1268) is our Lead Instructor and the primary face of our classroom sessions. With extensive experience, Bruce also serves as an expert who testifies in court on a regular basis. To ensure we can satisfy the high demand for our Combined CFSC/CRFSC courses, Bruce collaborates with a hand-picked team of highly qualified instructors from across Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley. This network of professionals allows us to offer more frequent training dates while maintaining the high standards and personal touch that Ottawa Firearms Safety is known for. On occasions where Bruce’s court obligations arise, you can rest assured you are in the hands of a carefully selected expert dedicated to your success.
What are the qualifications of my instructor at Ottawa Firearm Safety?
Our lead instructor, Bruce Macdonald, holds designation as a Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC & CRFSC) Instructor and Examiner by the Chief Firearms Officer of Ontario. Bruce Macdonald is also designated as a FSESO Instructor Mentor and Instructor Auditor. In this crucial role he is trusted to assess the program delivery of new instructors and observe existing instructors to assist the FSESO with ensuring continued compliance with CFO requirements.
Any instructor at Ottawa Firearm Safety will have the correct CFO designations and will also be personally vetted by Ottawa Firearm Safety to meet our own highest standards for excellence.
Can my instructor at Ottawa Firearm Safety provide full service by delivering the CRFSC and Combo course?
Yes. To satisfy current market demand and provide our students with maximum licensing privileges, Ottawa Firearm Safety have invested the extra time, equipment, and advanced qualifications necessary to offer the complete Combined CFSC/CRFSC service. We believe in providing a ‘full-service’ experience and by offering both designations together, we ensure you leave our classroom with the highest level of certification available, avoiding the future frustration of trying to find a separate Restricted course elsewhere.
What does it mean when an instructor is Firearm Safety Education Service of Ontario (FSESO) certified?
It means that the instructor has been trained in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario. The Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario (FSESO) is the professional association designated by the Chief Firearms Office of Ontario to manage firearms safety training in Ontario. By standardizing instructor training and testing, the FSESO ensures that all licensing candidates in the province receive consistent, high-quality safety education in accordance with RCMP requirements.
Why should I choose Ottawa Firearm Safety as my CFSC instructor?
Highest Rated in the Region: Trusted by first-time applicants, hunters, and sport shooters as Ottawa’s premier and most-trusted CFSC & CRFSC service provider.
Expert Lead Instruction: Our Lead Instructor, Bruce Macdonald, is a designated FSESO Mentor and Auditor who testifies as an expert in court, ensuring you receive the highest standard of legal and safety knowledge.
Meeting Market Demand: We prioritize the Combined Course to satisfy the high demand for full licensing, ensuring you get the most versatile certification available without long wait times.
Proven Success Rates: Our combination of expert instruction and top-tier equipment consistently results in some of the highest practical exam scores in Ontario.
Small, Inclusive Classes: We limit class sizes to ensure a warm, patient, and non-rushed environment where novices feel comfortable asking questions and mastering the material.
Comprehensive Value: Our Combo Course saves you significant money on course fees and future RCMP application costs while providing a more well-rounded safety education.



