Prime Minister Mark Carney turned over a ceremonial pistol given to him by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, CTV News has learned. The gift was presented during the NATO summit held in Ankara, Türkiye, on July 8, 2026, where Erdogan reportedly gave similar firearms to other alliance leaders.
Gift Raises Security and Protocol Concerns
According to sources familiar with the matter, Carney decided to surrender the weapon immediately upon his return to Canada, citing standard security protocols. The RCMP will handle the disposal or secure storage of the firearm. It remains unclear whether other NATO leaders who received pistols from Erdogan have taken similar action.
The Turkish president is known for presenting ornate firearms as diplomatic gifts. However, Canadian law strictly regulates the import and possession of handguns, and the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that Carney acted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
NATO Summit Agenda Overshadowed
The gift-giving incident has drawn attention away from the summit's main agenda, which included discussions on defense spending, the war in Ukraine, and rising tensions in the Middle East. Carney's first NATO summit as prime minister was otherwise seen as a success, with Canada pledging to increase its defense budget to meet the 2% GDP target by 2030.
Opposition critics have questioned why Carney accepted the gift in the first place, given Canada's strict gun laws. The Prime Minister's Office stated that turning over the pistol to the RCMP was a precautionary measure and that Carney had no intention of keeping it.
Historical Context of Diplomatic Gifts
It is customary for world leaders to exchange gifts during official visits, but such items often become subject to ethics rules. In Canada, the Conflict of Interest Act requires ministers and prime ministers to declare any gifts valued over $200. The pistol's value has not been disclosed, but it is believed to exceed that threshold.
Erdogan has previously gifted luxury items, including watches and carpets, to foreign dignitaries. The practice has occasionally sparked controversy, particularly when gifts are perceived as attempts to influence policy.
RCMP Confirms Receipt of Firearm
The RCMP confirmed in a brief statement that it had received the pistol from the Prime Minister's Office and would ensure its proper handling. The force declined to comment on whether any investigation would be conducted into the gift's importation.
As of press time, no other NATO leader has publicly disclosed receiving a similar gift or taking steps to surrender it. The incident is likely to fuel debate over diplomatic gift policies and Canada's firearm regulations.
