QUEBEC -- The Quebec government says its provincial long gun registry will come into force as planned next week, but it is promising added flexibility in the requirements for gun owners.

Public Security Minister Genevieve Guilbault says the Coalition Avenir Quebec government will introduce a bill easing some of the rules in legislation adopted in 2016.

With the Jan. 29 deadline for registering less than a week away, she says about 350,000 people have listed their weapons -- with a notable hike this month as the deadline looms.

The province has previously estimated that Quebecers own 1.6 million long guns, mostly shotguns and rifles.

Guilbault says once the amendments are passed, gun owners will no longer have to notify the registry of a temporary change in the location where firearms are stored. They won't have to provide the registration number upon request by a peace officer or provide the barrel length when registering a weapon.

Guilbault says the registry will be in effect as of Jan. 30 and advises gun owners to register their weapons to avoid fines of up to $5,000.

"There is a law, and the law as well as the registry are here to stay, so people have to comply," Guilbault told reporters in Quebec City. "They have a few days left to register their guns legally, because as of Jan. 30, fines could apply."