The federal government has extended the amnesty for owners of prohibited firearms amid a legal challenge currently before the Supreme Court of Canada. The extension comes as the government faces a crucial test of its authority to ban certain weapons.
Background of the Gun Ban
Over the past six years, Ottawa has prohibited 2,500 types of firearms, including the Ruger Mini-14 and the AR-15 assault rifle, arguing that these weapons are designed solely for warfare. Originally, owners were required to dispose of or deactivate their firearms by the end of the amnesty period on October 30. However, the Supreme Court agreed in March to hear an appeal challenging the bans, which were first announced in May 2020.
Amnesty Extension Details
The amnesty has now been extended to 90 days after the Supreme Court renders its decision on the appeal. The ruling is expected early next year. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree emphasized that the extension does not affect the compensation program for owners of banned guns, which is slated to end by late October. After that deadline, owners will no longer receive compensation for surrendering their firearms.
“Assault-style firearms were prohibited because of the risk they pose to public safety,” Anandasangaree said in a news release. “I am pleased to see that firearms businesses showed a strong interest in the compensation program and took advantage of the compensation offered. While collection and compensation for individuals are underway, I would encourage firearm owners to book their appointments as soon as they get their notification. It is their only chance to get compensation for their prohibited firearms.”
Reaction from Gun Rights Advocates
The Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights (CCFR), a prominent gun lobby group, welcomed the extension. Gun owners across the country have organized and advised each other not to comply with what they describe as a Liberal “cash-for-guns grab.”
“The CCFR welcomes the news that the federal government is extending the amnesty protecting gun owners and businesses from prosecutions associated with their ill-fated gun bans and compensation program,” the group said in a statement. “We suspect that the government realized that a defeat at the Supreme Court of Canada after collecting guns and or prosecuting those in non-compliance would be an untenable position for the Mark Carney’s Liberals. We look forward to presenting our case to Canada’s Supreme Court and achieving justice for law-abiding property owners and businesses.”
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case later this year, with a decision anticipated in early 2027. Until then, gun owners remain protected from prosecution under the extended amnesty.
