The federal government has released the results of a small-scale pilot for its upcoming national firearms compensation program, revealing that 16 individuals participated, turning in a total of 25 banned guns over a six-week period last year.
Pilot Program Falls Short of Expectations
Public Safety Canada ran the test in parts of Cape Breton, where officials had initially hoped to collect up to 200 prohibited firearms. According to a statement from spokesperson Noémie Allard on Friday, the pilot resulted in the destruction of the 25 surrendered weapons. The total compensation paid to the 16 participants was $26,535.
The department published these figures just days after sharing the "lessons learned" from the initiative. The pilot's outcome comes as the government prepares to launch the long-promised national program later this month.
National Rollout and Provincial Agreements
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree's office confirmed the national program will launch soon, offering compensation to individual owners of more than 2,500 makes and models of firearms banned by the Liberal government since 2020. An amnesty period for individuals in possession of these prohibited guns is in effect until October 2026.
In preparation for the national launch, the Public Safety department is working to formalize agreements with provinces and municipal police forces to assist with collection. This week, officials announced a $12 million deal with Quebec to compensate the province for coordinating the effort locally.
Several police services, including those in Halifax, Winnipeg, Cape Breton, and Fredericton, have indicated a willingness to participate. However, many police forces in the Greater Toronto Area and elsewhere in Ontario say they have not yet made a decision.
Political Divide and Criticism
The program remains a point of significant political contention. While the federal Liberals and gun control advocates argue the banned weapons are too dangerous for public use, opponents call it an ineffective use of taxpayer money.
Firearms groups and the Opposition Conservatives maintain the program unfairly targets lawful gun owners and will have no meaningful impact on public safety. Lobby groups like the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights point to the pilot's results as evidence the program is "destined for failure."
When asked about the RCMP's role in the national rollout, a spokeswoman said the force could not comment on the government's "plans or timing" but confirmed the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program would notify licensees about how to participate. A spokesman for Minister Anandasangaree stated that as more agreements are finalized with provinces and police, banned weapons will be collected by special units deployed across the country.
