The Canadian government is set to kick off its anticipated individual gun buyback initiative next month with an initial trial in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree revealed the pilot project in Ottawa, emphasizing that participation is voluntary and no one will have their firearms confiscated.
“We aim to ensure smooth operations before rolling out the program nationwide later this autumn,” stated Anandasangaree.
Moreover, the government disclosed that the buyback scheme for businesses, operational from fall 2024 to April 30, has collected 12,000 prohibited firearms to date, compensating owners with $22 million.
Residents in Cape Breton holding valid gun licenses will receive notifications from the RCMP indicating their eligibility to join the program. An online portal launching on October 1 will allow gun owners to express their interest in participating. If accepted, they will schedule appointments with the Cape Breton Regional Police Service for firearm collection.
This announcement fulfills a pledge made by Prime Minister Mark Carney to revamp the assault-style firearm buyback program initiated in 2020 following the tragic Portapique, Nova Scotia mass shooting that claimed 22 lives.
Since 2020, the Liberal government has outlawed 2,500 “assault-style” firearms, offering to buy them back. The ban included a two-year amnesty period allowing owners to surrender guns like the AR-15 until April 30, 2022. This amnesty was extended by a year in 2022 and further prolonged to October 30, 2025.
While Anandasangaree hinted at the need for another extension, no specific date was revealed. Possession, sale, lending, import, or use of listed guns is prohibited in Canada, requiring surrender to the authorities or deactivation by licensed gunsmiths within the amnesty period. Failure to comply will constitute a violation of the law.
Although the minister assured that firearms won’t be forcibly taken, officials clarified that the voluntary aspect of the program is the choice between surrendering or deactivating a firearm. Those declining to do so during the amnesty period will breach the law.
An audio recording surfaced on Monday featuring Anandasangaree suggesting that municipal police lack resources to enforce the buyback. Despite labeling his comments as “misguided,” the minister affirmed on Tuesday that law enforcement can fulfill its duties.
Asserting confidence in citizens’ compliance, Anandasangaree emphasized the importance of law enforcement enforcing the Criminal Code, underlining the rule of law in Canada. A government statement stressed that firearm owners must adhere to the law by the amnesty deadline to avoid criminal liability for illegal firearm possession.