The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is urging the Ontario government to follow the lead of Alberta and Saskatchewan by passing legislation that would block the federal government's controversial gun confiscation program. This call comes despite Ontario's previous statement that it has no interest in participating in the Liberal government's initiative.
CTF Calls for Legislative Action
On Monday, the CTF formally requested that Premier Doug Ford introduce legislation to formalize Ontario's opposition. The federation argues that such a move would protect law-abiding, licensed firearm owners from what it describes as an ineffective and costly program.
“Ford is right to oppose Ottawa for wasting money on this program that police say won’t make Ontarians safer,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “But now he needs to follow the lead of Alberta and Saskatchewan and pass legislation to block Ottawa’s gun ban in Ontario.”
Police Opposition
Numerous Ontario police services have already refused to participate in the federal gun ban. These include the Ontario Provincial Police, which polices about a quarter of the province, as well as major municipal forces in Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Durham, and Halton. Despite this widespread opposition, the federal government insists the program will proceed.
Cost and Effectiveness Concerns
The federal government allocated $742 million in the 2025 budget to fund the confiscation, with estimates suggesting the final cost could reach billions. Critics point to a six-week pilot project in Cape Breton last fall as evidence of the program's failure. During that pilot, only 25 guns were handed in by 16 individuals, with the government paying $26,535 in compensation—an average of $1,658.44 per firearm.
“Law enforcement experts in Ontario say the gun grab will do nothing to make this province safer,” said Noah Jarvis, CTF Ontario Director. “All governments need to focus on the real problem of criminals and illegal guns, not going after licensed firearm owners.”
The CTF's call for legislation underscores growing provincial resistance to federal firearm policies, as Alberta and Saskatchewan have already enacted similar measures to block the confiscation program within their jurisdictions.
