What to know
- The federal firearms buyback program opens Monday, Jan. 19 and will close on Mar. 31.
- Those interested in participating can fill out the declarations process to turn in their gun(s) and receive compensation after 45 days.
- Individuals and businesses must either throw out or permanently disable their guns by Oct. 30, 2026.
Canadians who own unregistered firearms will have until Mar. 31 to declare interest in receiving compensation under the federal firearms buyback program.
Since May of 2020, the federal government has banned more than 2,500 makes and models of assault style firearms, like the AR-15, as part of its “long-standing commitment to tackling gun violence in Canadian communities.”
Starting Monday, Jan. 19, owners of classified or prohibited firearms under this list can submit a declaration to either turn in their guns for compensation, or permanently deactivate them for a flat rate of $400 to $700 once the collection period begins.
Although participation in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program is optional, getting rid of a banned firearm is not. Both individuals and businesses must either throw out or permanently disable their guns by Oct. 30, 2026, when the amnesty period ends.
During a news conference from Public Safety Canada announcing the buyback program’s launch, Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree said, “Assault-style firearms do not belong in our communities. These types of firearms were designed as weapons of war. Prohibiting and removing them from our communities is an important part of our government’s commitment to tackling gun violence and keeping Canadians safe.”
After a firearm is turned in owners can expect to see their payout after 45 days, according to the declaration process .
