Canada's gun control measures are generally popular, but the federal government's firearms buyback program is facing considerable scrutiny. The program, aiming to remove prohibited firearms from circulation, has been met with concerns regarding its effectiveness, cost, and impact on responsible gun owners.
The buyback program is part of a broader effort to reduce gun violence, building upon existing legislation that includes licensing and registration requirements. The government has banned over 2,500 types of firearms, including the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14. Owners of these firearms must either deactivate them or participate in the buyback program. However, critics argue that the initiative primarily affects legal gun owners and does little to address illegal firearms or deter criminals. Some experts suggest that buyback programs typically capture only a small number of guns and rarely from individuals likely to commit gun crimes.
Concerns about the program's cost-effectiveness have also been raised. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation estimates the program's total budget at $742 million, with $250 million specifically for compensating gun owners. Critics argue that these funds could be better spent on initiatives that directly combat illegal gun smuggling and support law enforcement efforts. There are also worries that compensation money from the buyback could be used to purchase new semi-automatic weapons, undermining the program's goals.
Some provinces, like Yukon and Saskatchewan, have voiced opposition to the program. They argue that it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners and fails to address the root causes of gun violence. The Saskatchewan government has criticized the federal government for offering little to no compensation for certain firearms, calling the program a "completely flawed gun grab". With the amnesty period ending in October 2026, the debate surrounding the buyback program is likely to continue.
