The federal government has confirmed the initial results of its pilot "buyback" program for prohibited firearms, revealing that 25 guns were collected and destroyed during a six-week test run. This comes as Ottawa secures a key partnership with Quebec, pledging $12 million in compensation to support the province's collection efforts.
Pilot Program Details and Provincial Partnership
Public Safety Canada released the figures late on Wednesday, January 6, 2026. The pilot, which was conducted in partnership with the Cape Breton Regional Police, aimed to collect up to 200 firearms. The department also published a list of "lessons learned" from the initiative, which is set to be rolled out nationally later this month.
In a significant development, Quebec has become the first province to publicly enter into a formal agreement to assist with the program. A notice published in the province's official gazette confirmed that a contribution agreement was signed on December 10. The $12 million in federal funds will support the Sûreté du Québec, the provincial police force, in collection activities.
National Rollout and Provincial Resistance
Simon Lafortune, a spokesman for federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, stated that "several contribution agreements" with other provinces and police forces are still in progress. He added that where necessary, the federal government will deploy mobile collection units across the country to gather the banned weapons.
However, the program faces staunch opposition from several provinces. Ontario has rejected participation, with a spokesperson for the provincial solicitor general stating it shares the Ontario Provincial Police's concern that the policy will not yield "meaningful public safety results."
Similarly, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis have advised police chiefs, including RCMP contractors, against taking part. Saskatchewan has also refused to direct its local police forces to participate in the buyback, as stated by Robert Freberg of the Saskatchewan Firearm Office.
Background on the Firearms Ban
The buyback program is the result of a 2020 Order-in-Council that prohibited over 2,500 makes and models of what the government terms "assault-style" firearms. The Liberals argue these weapons are not suitable for civilian use. Prior to the Quebec agreement, Ottawa had only signed deals with police services in Winnipeg and Cape Breton to help collect the now-illegal firearms from their owners.
With the national launch imminent, the federal government continues its push to find law enforcement partners to execute this controversial cornerstone of its gun control agenda.
