Firearm Buyback Falls Short: What Gun Owners Need to Know Now

The federal government is moving to the next stage of its firearm ban enforcement. If you still own a recently banned firearm and have not applied for compensation, you are at a higher risk of legal penalties or property seizure as the initial compliance window closes.

Public Safety Canada has received over 67,000 applications for compensation. While this number is significant, it is much lower than the government initially predicted. Because the participation rate has leveled off, officials are preparing to shift focus from voluntary compliance to active enforcement.

Here is what you need to know to stay safe and legal.

Who is affected

This news affects anyone who owns a firearm that was banned under the May 1, 2020, Order in Council. This includes specific models of "assault-style" rifles and firearms that meet certain technical criteria, such as:

The AR-15 platform and similar variants.
The Ruger Mini-14 (specific models).
The M14 rifle.
Firearms with a bore diameter of 20mm or greater.

Even if you have not received a direct letter from the government, you are legally responsible for knowing the status of your firearms.

The current numbers

As of the latest reports, the buyback situation looks like this:

Applications received: Over 67,000.
Original estimate: The government originally estimated there were between 150,000 and 200,000 banned firearms in civilian hands.
The gap: There is a significant shortfall between the number of guns the government thought were out there and the number of people asking for money to turn them in.

Because this gap exists, the government believes the voluntary phase is nearing its end. They are now looking at "next steps," which usually involve police enforcement and criminal penalties for non-compliance.

What you should do

If you believe you own a firearm that falls under this ban, you must act immediately. Do not wait for a police notice.

1. Verify your firearm status Go to the Government of Canada Firearms page to check the official list of prohibited makes and models. You can search by make and model to see if your specific serial number range is affected.

2. Apply for compensation (if still eligible) If your firearm is banned and you wish to surrender it, you must apply for compensation through the online portal. You will need:

Your firearm license number (PAL/RPAL).
The make, model, and serial number of the firearm.
Proof of purchase or ownership (if available).

3. Follow the surrender process Once approved, you will receive instructions on how to hand over the firearm safely. This usually involves taking it to a participating police station or a designated business. Do not simply bring the firearm to a police station without an appointment, as this can create safety issues.

4. Consider the Amnesty Period There is currently a temporary amnesty in place (which has been extended several times) that protects owners from criminal charges while they are in the process of complying. However, this amnesty does not protect you if you are caught using the firearm, transporting it improperly, or if you have no intention of complying. Check the exact expiry date of the amnesty immediately.

Bottom line

The government has stopped waiting for stragglers. With only 67,000 applications received compared to the estimated 150,000+ banned guns, authorities are preparing to enforce the law more strictly.

If you possess a banned firearm, you are currently in a critical period. Verify your status today. If you wait until police come to your door, you will likely lose your firearm without compensation and could face criminal charges.

Source: Liberals eye next steps in firearm buyback as window for individual owners closes