Canada's federal government is initiating a comprehensive review of the framework used to classify firearms, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced on Friday, December 5, 2025. The move signals a potential shift in how weapons are categorized under Canadian law, a process that determines which models are restricted or prohibited.
Announcement Details and Context
The announcement was made during a separate event in Surrey, British Columbia, where Minister Anandasangaree was unveiling new funding for victims of crime. While the primary focus of the day was on victim support, the minister confirmed the forthcoming review of the firearms classification regime as a significant parallel policy initiative. The review aims to assess the current system's effectiveness and modernize the criteria used to evaluate and categorize firearms entering the Canadian market.
Objectives and Expected Impact
This policy examination comes amid ongoing national debates about public safety, gun control, and the rights of legal firearm owners. The government has indicated that the review will seek to ensure the classification process is transparent, consistent, and based on the latest technical and public safety evidence. Stakeholders from law enforcement, public safety advocacy groups, and legal firearm communities are expected to be consulted as part of the process. The outcome could lead to changes in which specific models of firearms are available for legal purchase and use in Canada.
Broader Political and Public Safety Landscape
The launch of this review places firearms policy back in the spotlight on the federal agenda. It represents a continued focus by the government on measures it frames as enhancing community safety. The announcement was made against a backdrop of other significant news, including provincial actions on crime and public safety issues across the country. The review's findings and any subsequent regulatory changes will be closely watched by all sides of the firearms debate in the coming months.
No specific timeline for the completion of the review was immediately provided by the minister's office. Further details on the consultation process and the review's terms of reference are anticipated to be released in the near future.
