The implementation of the federal government’s national gun buyback program is encountering challenges in Alberta, as the province has opted not to support or engage in it. Since 2020, approximately 2,500 “assault-style” firearm models have been prohibited by the government, citing their intended use for combat rather than recreational activities like hunting or sports.
Participation in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) is voluntary, with gun owners having until March 31 to express their willingness to surrender their banned firearms in exchange for compensation from the federal government. However, Alberta has taken a stance against the program by passing legislation in December to reject participation and prevent local law enforcement from involvement.
Alberta has joined Saskatchewan in enacting legislation to resist the enforcement of the buyback program, while Manitoba has also announced its decision not to enforce it. Despite the province’s non-enforcement stance, residents of Alberta can still submit declarations regarding their banned firearms.
While the ASFCP is voluntary, it remains illegal for Canadians to possess the prohibited firearms. Failure to submit a declaration by the March 31 deadline will render individuals ineligible for federal compensation upon surrendering their firearms. The amnesty period for possessing banned guns ends on October 30.
Teri Bryant, Alberta’s chief firearms officer, emphasized that the responsibility to enforce the ASFCP lies with the federal government, as Alberta will not allocate any provincial funds towards the program. Alberta law enforcement will not accept surrendered firearms through the buyback program, necessitating the federal government to engage seizure agents for their collection.
Individuals in Alberta can schedule appointments to surrender firearms through a licensed gunsmith approved by the RCMP and possessing an Alberta seizure-agent license. The federal government’s website also mentions the option of utilizing a mobile collection unit for turning in firearms.
Those who submit declarations by March 31 are expected to receive compensation from the program’s fund of $248.6 million, facilitating the buyback of around 136,000 outlawed firearms. However, compensation is subject to approval of applications and firearms.
A spokesperson from Public Safety Canada highlighted that individuals in Alberta who declare their interest may not receive compensation unless the provincial jurisdictions permit it. The government encourages Alberta and Saskatchewan to provide residents with the opportunity to seek compensation through the ASFCP.
Concerns have been raised by the gun business community regarding the reliability of the program. JR Cox, head of Calgary-based firearms company Sterling Arms International, expressed skepticism based on past experiences with the government’s business gun buyback program.
Despite the reluctance of law enforcement agencies like the Calgary Police Service to participate in the program, individuals in Alberta can still surrender their prohibited firearms without compensation. Last year, over 450 firearms were voluntarily turned in to the Calgary Police Service.
