Yukon gun owners are expressing dissatisfaction with the federal government’s initiative to buy back restricted firearms. The program, introduced in 2020, targets over 2,500 types of “assault-style” weapons that are prohibited in Canada. While the government offers compensation ranging from $150 to $10,000 for each fully-assembled weapon returned, some gun owners believe the amounts fall short of the guns’ actual value.
Donovan Dewis, a firearms advocate from Whitehorse, criticized the buyback program, arguing that it unfairly burdens law-abiding gun owners rather than addressing criminal activity. He highlighted that the compensation offered by the government does not reflect the true worth of the firearms, labeling the program as ineffective and costly.
Nora Tremblay, another gun owner from Whitehorse, questioned the logic behind the assault weapons ban, pointing out the stringent vetting processes that Canadian gun owners already undergo, such as mandatory training, background checks, and disclosure of mental health status. She emphasized that responsible gun owners take necessary precautions to ensure safety within their communities.
Amin Asfari, a police studies professor at the University of Regina, echoed concerns about the buyback program’s efficacy in reducing gun-related crimes. He noted that such initiatives typically recover only a small fraction of firearms, often unrelated to criminal incidents. Asfari advocated for collaboration between governments and violence prevention organizations as a more effective strategy to enhance public safety.
Yukon Justice Minister Laura Lang expressed opposition to the federal buyback program, emphasizing the need for increased police funding to combat organized crime. Lang criticized the program’s structure, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis without guaranteeing compensation for surrendered weapons. Additionally, she highlighted the lack of reimbursement for ammunition or related components, leaving responsible gun owners at a financial loss.
Lang called on the Government of Canada to reconsider the buyback program and announced plans by the Yukon government to introduce alternative support measures for law-abiding gun owners in the near future.
