The Liberal government's firearm buyback program is facing scrutiny as initial figures reveal a significant shortfall in declared weapons. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced that just over 52,000 firearms were declared by individual owners by the March 31st deadline. This is far short of the 136,000 firearms the government had budgeted for when the program opened in January. The program was launched as part of a broader effort to reduce gun violence and remove what the government deems "assault-style" weapons from Canadian communities.
The buyback program, offering compensation ranging from $150 to over $10,000 depending on the firearm model, aimed to retrieve weapons banned in May 2020. These bans, implemented following the tragic Nova Scotia mass shooting, targeted over 2,500 models, including the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14. While participation in the buyback is voluntary, possessing a prohibited firearm after the October 30, 2026, amnesty period could result in criminal charges.
Several factors may have contributed to the program's lower-than-expected participation. Some critics argue that the online registration process was difficult for older gun owners to navigate. Others suggest that misinformation, particularly regarding the types of firearms being banned, may have deterred some owners. Furthermore, the governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan have refused to participate in the compensation program, leaving many residents of these provinces ineligible for compensation.
Looking ahead, the government plans to reopen the buyback program to businesses, following an initial phase that collected over 12,000 guns. Minister Anandasangaree is expected to provide a further update on the program's progress and potential adjustments. With the October 30, 2026, deadline for the amnesty period looming, the focus will likely shift to enforcing the ban on prohibited firearms, even as questions remain about the long-term success of the buyback initiative.
