Canada’s federal gun buyback program, officially known as the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), is in a high-stakes rollout phase. As of early 2026, it has become a flashpoint for legal and political conflict between the federal government, several provinces, and law enforcement agencies.
The program stems from a May 1, 2020 Order-in-Council that prohibited approximately 1,500 models of what the government labeled “assault-style” firearms. That list was expanded in late 2024 and early 2025 to include roughly 2,500 makes and models.
The ban targets firearms such as the AR-15, Ruger Mini-14, M14, and various modern semi-automatic rifles. It also includes so-called heavy firearms with a bore diameter of 20 millimeters or greater or muzzle energy exceeding 10,000 joules. While the bore restriction does not apply to shotguns, the energy threshold captures several high-end “dangerous game” rifles used for hunting elephants or buffalo. For example, the .460 Weatherby Magnum can exceed 11,000 joules, making it technically prohibited.
The law also relies on a “capable” clause, defining prohibition based on whether a firearm is capable of discharging a projectile exceeding 10,000 joules. This has drawn criticism because some rifles may remain under the limit with shorter barrels or lighter loads but are physically capable of firing higher-pressure rounds that cross the threshold.
Gun owners must declare their intent to participate by March 31, 2026. The current amnesty period, which shields owners from criminal prosecution for possession, expires on October 30, 2026. The federal government has earmarked approximately $250 million for compensation, with payouts based on government-defined “market value” research. Lower receivers are typically compensated at a flat rate of $550, while full firearms vary by model.
The government claims participation in the buyback is voluntary, but compliance with the law is mandatory. Owners may choose whether to accept compensation, but declining payment does not allow them to keep prohibited firearms. Those who refuse compensation must surrender their firearms without payment, export them, or have them permanently deactivated at their own expense.
Anyone who continues to possess a prohibited firearm after the amnesty expires will be in illegal possession of a prohibited firearm. Under the Canadian Criminal Code, this offense can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Opposition to the program is widespread, particularly in Western Canada and rural regions. Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador have rejected the program outright or refused to assist with enforcement, citing jurisdictional limits and opposition to using provincial police or funding for what critics describe as a federal administrative scheme.
Alberta and Saskatchewan have taken the strongest stance by passing legislation to block provincial participation. Alberta has invoked the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, while Saskatchewan enacted the Saskatchewan Firearms Act, requiring federal authorization before firearms can be seized.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has directed provincial authorities not to enforce the program and said Crown prosecutors should prioritize violent crime over homeowners in legal possession of firearms.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has labeled the program a flawed gun grab and argued the funding would be better spent on crime prevention. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has dismissed the program as a waste of taxpayer money, saying Ottawa should instead address bail reform and illegal gun smuggling.
Public advocacy groups such as the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights argue the federal government has severely underestimated costs, claiming more than two million firearms are now prohibited. They warn the $250 million compensation fund will be exhausted long before all owners are compensated.
At the federal level, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has made repeal of the buyback a core campaign issue, describing it as a multi-billion-dollar gun grab that targets legal owners while ignoring gangs and traffickers. He has pledged to scrap the program and repeal the 2020 and 2024–2025 bans, prioritizing tougher sentences for gun traffickers over administrative confiscation.
The federal Liberal government, led by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, has pushed back, accusing opponents of spreading misinformation and politicizing public safety. Ottawa has warned that provincial obstruction could leave gun owners worse off, arguing that firearms may still be seized by the RCMP after the amnesty deadline, but without compensation.
Police participation has been equally divided. Halifax Regional Police will participate despite opposition from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. Halifax Police Chief Don MacLean said the municipal force has an independent responsibility to reduce firearms in the community and will use rotating off-duty officers, with all costs covered by the federal government. Nova Scotia has said no provincial policing resources will be used, while the Halifax RCMP said federal RCMP resources would support the effort.
In contrast, the Ontario Provincial Police and municipal forces in Sudbury, Timmins, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, and Toronto have refused to participate, citing staffing shortages and limited resources. Police leaders and unions argue the program is administrative rather than core police work and diverts attention from violent and organized crime. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has echoed these concerns.
Widespread police refusal has created a jurisdictional vacuum, forcing the federal government to consider alternatives. Ottawa is now exploring mobile collection units and the use of private contractors, as well as off-duty or retired officers, to carry out firearm collections in jurisdictions that have opted out.
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