Canada has launched a compensation program for owners of banned assault-style firearms. This initiative allows participants until March 31, 2026, to declare their involvement. Those who join the program can either turn in or permanently deactivate their prohibited firearms.
Details of the Compensation Program
The announcement was made in Montreal by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, alongside Secretary of State Nathalie Provost and Québec Minister of Public Security Ian Lafrenière. This program aims to enhance public safety by reducing the number of dangerous firearms in Canadian communities.
Anandasangaree emphasized the need to keep assault-style firearms out of civilian hands, noting that they are designed for military use. The government has placed a significant focus on tackling gun violence in Canada through this initiative.
Eligibility and Process
- The declaration period begins on Monday, targeting valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) holders.
- Submissions can be made online or via mail, with compensation granted on a first-come, first-served basis based on available funding.
- Participants can schedule appointments to surrender their firearms to the RCMP or local police.
Ottawa has banned around 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms since May 2020. These include well-known models like the AR-15. Firearms must be deactivated or surrendered by the end of the amnesty period on October 30, 2026. Failing to do so could lead to criminal charges.
Funding Overview
Nearly $250 million has been allocated to support the compensation program. It is estimated that 136,000 firearms will be eligible for buyback compensation. This funding reflects a significant effort by the government to enhance community safety.
Reactions from the Community
While some see the program as a positive step, it has faced criticism. Provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan have expressed their intention not to administer the initiative. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has called for its cancellation, citing inefficiencies in previous pilot programs.
- The Cape Breton pilot project aimed to collect 200 firearms but only managed to gather 25.
Gun owners’ advocates have raised concerns about the adequacy of the compensation, with claims that the government may not fulfill its promised support. Some groups estimate that only a small fraction of affected owners will receive compensation before funds run dry.
Broader Strategy Against Gun Violence
This compensation initiative is part of a larger governmental effort to decrease gun violence. Other strategies include hiring more RCMP and Canada Border Services officers and reviewing the national firearms classification system.
For more updates and information regarding this program, visit El-Balad.
