A recent federal pilot program for a contentious firearms buyback initiative in Cape Breton has yielded its first results. According to data from Public Safety Canada, the six-week trial saw a total of 25 firearms surrendered by 16 individuals.
Compensation and Program Details
In exchange for the surrendered firearms, the federal government disbursed $26,535 in compensation to those 16 participants. This works out to an average payment of approximately $1,658 per firearm. The pilot program was launched on October 1, 2025, following an announcement the previous September by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree.
The minister described the program as a way for owners to “safely dispose of, and/or deactivate their assault-style firearms, and receive compensation.” The Cape Breton initiative served as a test run ahead of an anticipated nationwide implementation of the buyback plan.
Government Analysis and Criticism
With the pilot concluded, federal officials are now examining the data. A statement from Public Safety Canada to the Toronto Sun indicated the trial was intended to “identify any gaps or challenges in the system” before a national launch. The 25 firearms collected in Cape Breton bring the total gathered through both the pilot and the program’s business phase to over 12,000.
However, the program’s results have drawn sharp criticism from taxpayer and firearms rights advocates. Gage Haubrich, prairie director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, labeled the pilot an expensive exercise that fails to enhance public safety.
“The pilot project cost a significant amount of money, but it only confiscated a small number of firearms,” Haubrich stated. He urged the government to scrap the buyback before more taxpayer funds are spent.
Advocates Call Program a ‘Failure’
Tracey Wilson of the Canadian Coalition for Firearms Rights (CCFR) was more blunt, calling the Cape Breton trial an “absolute failure” that demonstrates minimal public uptake. The CCFR has consistently opposed the mandatory buyback, advocating instead for a grandfathering clause for legally owned firearms.
“It’s crazy to me to see how both the public safety minister … and the prime minister, are clinging to this crazy, failed program that literally nobody wants, except the anti-gun lobby groups,” Wilson said.
The federal government has not announced a timeline for the national rollout, stating it is using the pilot data to ensure the program operates smoothly across the country.
