Canada's Struggle with Gun Buyback Program

Introduction of Gun Ban and Buyback Program

On May 1, 2020, the Canadian government declared a ban on 1,500 types of semi-automatic rifles, and concurrently announced a firearms buyback program. This move was the government's reaction to a mass shooting incident in Nova Scotia, where 22 people were killed. The shooter, who was dressed as a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer and drove a car mimicking a patrol car, used an AR-style rifle that was smuggled into Canada from the United States.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Buyback Program

Four years later, the program has yet to see its first gun surrendered and its future is uncertain, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party struggles to maintain control in Parliament. Critics of the program, including gun control activist Nathalie Provost, argue that it is too weak. Provost, who is a spokesperson for PolyRemembers, a group formed in the aftermath of a mass shooting at the Polytechnique engineering school in Montreal in 1989, has called for the government to eliminate exemptions to the ban, expedite the buyback, and close legal loopholes.

Details of the Ban and Buyback Program

The program specifically targets certain automatic and semi-automatic rifles, often referred to as assault weapons. Rifles such as the AR-15, AK-47, and similar types are now prohibited from being bought, sold, imported, or even transported in Canada. Owners of these now-illegal guns are expected to sell them to the federal government. The government established a two-year amnesty period for owners to securely store their prohibited firearms while the logistics of the buyback program are sorted out. This amnesty period was extended to October 2025 in 2022.

Opposition to the Ban and Buyback Program

Critics of the program argue that it would not have prevented the Nova Scotia shooting. James Bachynsky, president of the Calgary Shooting Center, accused the Liberal Party of using the shooting as a pretext to implement a ban they had wanted all along. Brian Kent, owner of Proline Shooters II in Calgary, echoed Bachynsky's sentiments, suggesting that restricting legal gun ownership is an easy way for the government to appear proactive.

Government's Response to Criticism

Dominic LeBlanc, Minister for Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, denied these claims, stating that the program is designed to remove military weapons from the streets and does not target sports persons, indigenous persons, or persons who hunt for sustenance or practice a sport.

Confusion Surrounding the Buyback Program

Gun dealers and owners have expressed confusion about the buyback program. The list of prohibited rifles has expanded from 1,500 to nearly 2,000 over the past four years, which could potentially catch some gun owners off guard. The program is divided into two phases, with gun stores selling their stock to the government in the first phase, and individual owners selling their prohibited guns to the government in the second phase. However, details on how or when either phase will begin are yet to be provided by the government.

Additional Regulations on Handguns

In December 2023, the government enacted Bill C-21, which prohibits the sale or transfer of handguns. Current handgun owners can transport their handguns to shoot on approved firing ranges, but they cannot sell or give them to anyone. When these owners pass away, their guns must be surrendered to the government.

Political Implications

The Liberal Party has been able to push its agenda through an agreement with the New Democratic Party (NDP). However, the NDP withdrew from the agreement on Sept. 4.

Bottom Line

The Canadian government's attempt to control gun ownership through a ban and buyback program has been met with criticism and confusion. While the intention to reduce gun violence is commendable, the execution of the program has raised questions about its effectiveness and fairness. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think the program is a step in the right direction or a misguided attempt at gun control? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.