Saskatchewan gun owners can now apply for an exemption to continue legally storing firearms that were recently banned under federal law until they receive acceptable compensation, the provincial government has announced.
Provincial Action on Federal Ban
Tim McLeod, minister responsible for the firearms secretariat, announced the new measure on Monday at Saskatoon Police Headquarters. He criticized the federal gun buyback program, saying it targets law-abiding citizens rather than addressing illegal firearms use.
“The federal program does nothing to address illegal use of firearms or illegal firearms, generally, it’s targeting law-abiding citizens,” McLeod said.
Legal Basis for Provincial Action
While the federal government has jurisdiction over firearms legislation, the province oversees personal property and can therefore take action. McLeod emphasized that the province considers the banned firearms as “seized” and insists the federal government must compensate owners.
“What we’re saying is, this is about valuing that property, providing fair market value, fair compensation to property owners,” he said.
The Saskatchewan Firearms Amendment Act, 2026, which is now law, empowers the province to require the Government of Canada to pay owners fair market value for any firearms seized in the province under federal legislation. Value will be determined by the Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO).
Certificates of Exemption
Certificates issued by the SFO will protect owners from criminal charges when the federal amnesty ends on Oct. 30. To obtain a certificate, those with prohibited firearms must request an appraisal from the SFO through the Firearms Verification and Appraisal (FVA) Service, now accessible online and via an app.
Certificates of exemption remain valid as long as holders follow all requirements listed in their certificate, including legal storage, and continue to pursue compensation from the federal government.
Process for Compensation
Saskatchewan Firearms Commissioner Blaine Beaven explained that when a firearm owner is satisfied with the compensation offered by the federal government, they can contact the provincial firearms office, which will authorize the seizing or destruction of the firearm. Owners may also seek independent assessments to aid in negotiations.
“People have the option of deactivating their firearms if they wish, (or) they can voluntarily surrender them if they wish,” Beaven said.
Saskatoon Police Chief Cam McBride expressed relief that the provincial firearms office took responsibility for administering the federal buyback program, noting the establishment of the Saskatchewan Firearms Lab has sped up firearms investigations.
Bill C-21, which received royal assent in 2023, made a number of changes to firearms legislation, including reclassifying a vast number of rifles as prohibited weapons. The Saskatchewan Party government has long opposed the federal buyback program.
