Canada’s gun buyback program Is voluntary, but noncompliance means jail

Overview of Canada’s Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program

Canada’s federal gun buyback program, known as the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), is currently in a contentious rollout phase as of early 2026. Originating from a May 1, 2020 Order-in-Council, it prohibits around 2,500 models of firearms labeled as “assault-style,” including popular ones like the AR-15, Ruger Mini-14, and M14. The ban also extends to heavy firearms with a bore diameter of 20 millimeters or greater, or those exceeding 10,000 joules in muzzle energy, affecting high-end hunting rifles like the .460 Weatherby Magnum. A “capable” clause further complicates matters by prohibiting firearms that could potentially discharge projectiles over the energy threshold, even if not always used that way. This has sparked significant legal and political battles between the federal government, provinces, and law enforcement.

Program Mechanics and Compliance Requirements

Gun owners must declare participation intent by March 31, 2026, with the amnesty period ending on October 30, 2026, after which possession becomes illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The government has allocated $250 million for compensation based on “market value,” with payouts like $550 for lower receivers and varying amounts for full firearms. While described as voluntary, the program mandates compliance: owners can accept payment, surrender without compensation, export, or deactivate firearms at their expense, but cannot retain prohibited items. Critics, including the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, argue the fund is inadequate for the estimated two million affected firearms, potentially leading to massive shortfalls.

Provincial and Political Opposition

Opposition is fierce, especially in Western and rural Canada, with provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador refusing to participate or enforce the program. Alberta and Saskatchewan have passed laws blocking involvement, with premiers Danielle Smith and Scott Moe prioritizing crime prevention over what they call a flawed federal “gun grab.” Ontario’s Doug Ford has criticized it as wasteful, advocating for bail reform and anti-smuggling efforts instead. Federally, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre vows to repeal the bans if elected, focusing on penalizing traffickers rather than legal owners. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree defends the program, accusing opponents of misinformation and warning that non-cooperation could result in uncompensated seizures by the RCMP.

Law Enforcement Challenges and Federal Alternatives

Police participation varies widely, creating enforcement gaps. Some forces, like Halifax Regional Police, are involved using off-duty officers with federal funding, despite provincial resistance in Nova Scotia. However, many others, including the Ontario Provincial Police and municipal forces in several cities, have declined due to resource shortages and a focus on violent crime over administrative tasks. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police shares these concerns. In response, the federal government is considering mobile units, private contractors, and retired officers to handle collections in non-participating areas, highlighting the program’s divisive impact on public safety and jurisdiction.