Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has deemed the trial phase of the government’s key gun control policy a success, despite receiving minimal participation. Since 2020, the Ottawa administration has prohibited around 2,500 types of firearms, contending that the listed makes and models are designed for combat rather than recreational or hunting purposes.
The policy has encountered resistance from the Conservatives and firearm advocacy groups, who argue that it unfairly penalizes law-abiding gun owners instead of targeting criminals. In response, the government pledged to repurchase these firearms to ensure fair compensation for owners.
However, the initial test run of the buyback initiative saw limited engagement. Initially aiming to collect 200 firearms during a six-week trial in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, only 25 guns were surrendered by 16 individuals. The revealed outcomes have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the over $700-million program when implemented nationwide.
Anandasangaree expressed his perspective during a recent press briefing, stating, “As an overall pilot, I believe it is successful. We wanted to test the capabilities that we have to both be able to register as well as recover the firearms that people wanted to voluntarily hand over to us.”
He emphasized that the pilot phase was not solely about numerical results and anticipates higher participation upon the full program rollout in the upcoming weeks. The minister highlighted the corrections made to address identified issues with the online portal and other processes, affirming readiness for the program’s imminent launch.
The department refrained from disclosing the specific makes and models returned during the trial phase. Alongside the low uptake, another challenge facing the initiative is the limited official commitment from various provinces and law enforcement agencies.
Alberta unveiled a comprehensive strategy in December to resist the federal program, denouncing it as an unconstitutional violation of citizen rights. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have also voiced opposition to the initiative, with reservations about using provincial funds for its execution.
Critics, including political science professor Noah Schwartz, have raised questions about the government’s approach, citing leaked comments from Anandasangaree expressing doubts about the program’s efficacy. Schwartz suggested that the minister’s credibility within the community crucial to the program’s success has been undermined.
The government’s ability to navigate these challenges and implement the program effectively will be closely monitored by gun control advocates, such as PolySeSouvient. Despite the controversies surrounding the initiative, support from Quebec and several law enforcement agencies has been secured. The government is yet to provide an estimate of the expected number of firearms to be collected during the national rollout.
The amnesty period allowing possession of banned firearms will conclude later this year, with owners required to dispose of or deactivate listed firearms by October 30 to avoid legal repercussions.