The federal government has postponed the planned restart of a compensation program for retailers holding inventories of firearms that were once legal but are now banned. The program, which was initially expected to resume later this fall, has been delayed to an unspecified date.
National Program for Individual Owners Moves Forward
This delay for businesses comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney's government intends to proceed with launching a national 'buyback' program for individual gun owners by the end of 2025. The initiative targets owners whose firearms were legal at the time of purchase but were later prohibited by the Liberal government.
Back in September, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced a pilot program for individual gun owners in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. At that time, his department confirmed that the second phase for businesses would resume in the 'coming weeks' after being closed in the spring. A government webpage also stated the business program was slated to begin 'later this fall.'
Industry Reaction and Government Silence
Wes Winkel, president of the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association, confirmed to the National Post that there has been an 'indefinite delay' on the government's part. The association has been under contract with the government since 2023 to assist with pricing.
Simon Lafortune, a spokesman for Minister Anandasangaree, stated, 'We will be reopening the second round of the business phase of the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program. The exact date will be shared soon.' He added that the government would continue to work with industry stakeholders and law enforcement to ensure the program runs efficiently.
However, neither the minister's office nor the Department of Public Safety has provided a reason for the delay. Rod Giltaca, CEO of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, called the situation a 'mystery' and described the entire program as a 'disaster for over half a decade.'
A Troubled Journey for Firearm Policy
The Liberal government's efforts to remove what it labels 'assault-style' firearms from both businesses and private individuals have been marked by a long and complicated process. The latest delay for retailers underscores the ongoing challenges in implementing this contentious policy, even as the government pushes forward with the broader national buyback plan for individual citizens.
