In a significant escalation of its jurisdictional dispute with Ottawa, the Government of Alberta is moving to formally oppose the federal firearm buyback program using its contentious Sovereignty Act. Justice Minister Mickey Amery announced the motion on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, outlining a multi-pronged strategy that includes instructing provincial entities not to comply with the federal initiative.
Sovereignty Act Motion Targets Federal Program
The core of the provincial government's action is a motion under the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act. This motion directs all provincial agencies, municipalities, and law enforcement bodies to defy the federal gun buyback program. Minister Amery stated the motion also mandates cabinet to use all legal means necessary to oppose the program within the province's borders.
During a press conference in Edmonton, Amery criticized the federal program, arguing it would not achieve its stated goals. "This program would not stop violent criminals or illegal guns from being smuggled across provincial borders," he said. The federal pilot program for the buyback of certain assault-style firearms began this fall in Nova Scotia, with a deadline for individual owners to dispose of or deactivate listed firearms by October 30 of the next year.
New Guidelines for Crown Prosecutors on Home Defense
A pivotal and closely watched element of Alberta's announcement involves new directives for provincial prosecutors. The motion instructs the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service to adopt guidelines stating there is no public interest in prosecuting individual homeowners for defending themselves in their homes.
"In the context of somebody coming into somebody’s home here in Alberta, the guidelines to the prosecution will make it absolutely clear that we have no public interest in prosecuting individual homeowners for protecting their homes, their loved ones and themselves," Amery explained. He described the home as "sacred" to Albertans.
When questioned about enforcement, officials clarified that there are no specified penalties for prosecutors or entities that choose not to follow the new guidelines. Amery noted he cannot direct individual Crown prosecutors but can issue lawful protocols, which he expects to be followed. "I intend to issue lawful and proper protocols to our Crown prosecution service, and I expect them to be followed," he stated, emphasizing his confidence in the collaborative relationship with the prosecution service.
Eight-Point Plan of Opposition
The provincial motion outlines eight specific measures in response to the federal buyback, creating a comprehensive framework for resistance. Key actions include:
- Instructing cabinet to ensure no provincial agencies participate in or abide by the federal program.
- Directing the Minister of Public Safety to issue guidelines to Alberta law enforcement agencies.
- Taking "all lawful steps" to prevent police services from enforcing the buyback program.
- Affirming steps to ensure Albertans can use reasonable force to defend themselves in their residences.
This move represents one of the most direct applications of the Sovereignty Act since its passage, setting the stage for a potential legal and political confrontation between the Alberta and federal governments over jurisdiction and policing priorities.
