Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says the federal government rejects the idea of allowing hunters to use the same type of military-style assault rifle involved in a mass shooting in Florida.
Last month, Conservative MP Bob Zimmer presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of the Lawful Firearm Owners of Canada that calls for the classification of the AR-15 rifle to be changed from a restricted firearm to a non-restricted one.
The petition, launched by a man who says Canadian hunters want to be able to use the popular semi-automatic rifle, was signed by more than 25,000 people, mainly from Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
Goodale says the Liberal government will present a formal written reply to the petition, but he made it clear there is no intention of changing the weapon's classification.
Goodale said the decision to classify the AR-15 as a restricted weapon was made by RCMP firearms experts.
That decision should not be second-guessed by politicians, he said.
"The argument, the professional judgment has been made by the RCMP, and I would not see any argument on the merits to change that."
People wanting to buy an AR-15 in Canada must have a firearms licence that includes restricted weapons and involves passing a safety course.
They must also have authorization from their province's chief firearms officer to transport the gun to a shooting range, gun show, gunsmith or a few other permitted locations.