As of 1990, about 1 million restricted weapons were registered. Permits issued to carry restricted firearms increased by 250 percent between 1979 and 1990. Firearm owners are predominantly male and reside in small communities. The primary purpose of firearm ownership in Canada is hunting, followed by target shooting and gun collecting. About 200 firearm-related homicides occur yearly in Canada, and there appears to be a positive correlation between firearm ownership and homicide rates. Suicide accounts for 75 percent of all Canadian firearm deaths, and one-third of suicides are committed with firearms. About 4 percent of firearm deaths in Canada are classified as accidental. The contribution of firearm availability to violence is discussed, as well as preventive effects of civilian firearm ownership and the impact of gun control legislation. References, tables, and figures