Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has deemed the trial phase of the government’s prominent gun control policy a success, despite its limited participation. Since 2020, Ottawa has prohibited around 2,500 types of firearms, arguing that these models are intended for warfare purposes rather than for hunting or sport shooting.
The policy has been met with resistance from the Conservatives and firearm-rights organizations, who believe it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners instead of addressing criminal activity. In response to this opposition, the government pledged to reimburse owners through a buyback initiative.
However, the initial trial of the buyback program saw minimal engagement. While the government aimed to collect 200 firearms during a six-week test in Cape Breton, N.S., only 25 were surrendered by 16 individuals. These results, disclosed recently, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the over $700-million program when it is rolled out nationwide.
Minister Anandasangaree expressed his confidence in the pilot’s success, emphasizing the importance of testing the registration and retrieval capabilities for voluntarily surrendered firearms. He acknowledged that the focus wasn’t solely on quantitative outcomes, indicating an anticipation of greater participation once the full program launches soon.
Despite the Minister’s optimism, the program faces challenges beyond low participation rates. Several provinces, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, have vowed to resist the initiative. Alberta, in particular, has unveiled a detailed plan to combat what it views as an infringement on citizens’ rights.
Critics question the Minister’s credibility, citing leaked comments where Anandasangaree appeared skeptical about the program’s effectiveness. To ensure the program’s success, the government’s handling and execution will be closely monitored by gun-control advocates and observers alike.
Quebec has become the first province to support the buyback program, with an agreement worth $12.4 million. However, the government has not disclosed an estimate of the number of firearms it aims to collect during the national rollout. The deadline for possessing banned firearms without legal consequences ends later this year on Oct. 30.