Ottawa has unveiled the next steps in its national gun buyback program, offering Canadians a chance to participate in a voluntary initiative to receive compensation for turning in outlawed firearms. The federal government has banned around 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms since 2020, arguing that they are designed for warfare, not hunting or sport shooting. The buyback program provides a two-month window for Canadians to declare their interest in receiving compensation for surrendering these firearms. However, the initiative has faced opposition from some gun owners and the Conservative Party of Canada, who argue that it punishes law-abiding gun owners and won't make Canada safer. The program's effectiveness is also questioned, as a pilot project in Cape Breton resulted in only 25 weapons being collected and destroyed. Despite these challenges, the federal government remains committed to the program, with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree emphasizing the importance of public safety and compliance with the law. The compensation payments will be issued within 45 business days of a successful validation of the firearm, and the government has allocated $248.6 million for the program. After the March 31 deadline, firearm owners who have not submitted a declaration will not be able to participate and will not receive compensation. The amnesty period for possessing banned guns will end on October 30, 2026, after which anyone in possession will be breaking the law and could face criminal prosecution. The federal government is also reopening the buyback program for businesses that have prohibited firearms. While some provinces, like Manitoba and Alberta, have expressed opposition to the program, others, like Saskatchewan, have introduced changes to their firearms legislation to support it. The Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights has criticized Ottawa's decision, describing it as 'wasteful, ineffective and divisive'. The program's launch is seen as a win for public safety by a coalition of gun control advocacy groups, who argue that the firearms outlawed by Ottawa are not reasonably used for hunting and pose serious public safety risks. The buyback program's future remains uncertain, but the federal government's commitment to public safety and compliance with the law is clear.
