The Government of Alberta is formally opposing the federal firearm buy-back program, setting the stage for a significant jurisdictional clash. This move underscores the ongoing tension between provincial and federal authorities over gun control policy in Canada.
Details of the Dispute
The pushback was announced following a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The two leaders had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Calgary, Alberta, on Thursday, November 27, 2025. While the MOU covered other areas of cooperation, the issue of the federal gun buy-back program emerged as a clear point of contention.
The Alberta government argues that the program infringes on provincial jurisdiction and unfairly targets lawful firearm owners. Provincial officials have expressed concerns about the program's cost, implementation, and effectiveness, stating that it does not address the root causes of gun-related crime.
Broader Political Context
This disagreement occurs against a backdrop of other significant national stories, from rising poverty straining Ontario food banks to Indigenous leaders preparing for new pipeline battles. However, the Alberta government's stance on the buy-back program is a direct challenge to federal authority.
The provincial position aligns with a broader sentiment in some regions of Canada that federal firearm policies are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Alberta's opposition is expected to rally support from other provinces and groups critical of the federal approach to gun control.
Potential Consequences and Next Steps
The Alberta government's resistance could take several forms, including legal challenges, refusal to allocate provincial resources for program administration, or public advocacy campaigns. This standoff may delay or complicate the rollout of the buy-back initiative in Alberta, one of Canada's provinces with a high number of firearm owners.
Observers note that this conflict tests the recent cooperative framework established by the MOU. The federal government, led by Prime Minister Carney, has maintained that the buy-back program is a crucial public safety measure. How this dispute is resolved will have significant implications for federal-provincial relations and national public safety policy.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides likely to continue stating their cases in the coming weeks as they seek public and political support for their positions.
