Ottawa has proposed the launch of its nationwide gun buyback program to start in Prince Edward Island, according to a memo from the federal procurement department.
Released by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on Dec. 29, the memo describes the “transition” of how firearms will be confiscated from gun owners in the country’s smallest province, which according to the memo, has already commenced in December.
“As a result, lessons learned, gaps analysis and risk assessment would inform the phase 2 national roll-out.”
According to the memo, phase 2 of the national roll-out is planned for spring 2023 once an information technology case management system is in place.
“It will be implemented in collaboration with other government departments, provincial, municipal and territorial governments and potential Industry partners,” the memo said.
The Ban
In 2020, the Liberal government issued a ban on more than 1,500 models of previously legally purchased firearms. In October the government put a freeze on the transfer and importation of handguns, which effectively bans handgun ownership in the country.“The prohibition applies to all current and future firearm variants that meet the criteria—now, over 1,800 firearms,” the memo said. “These firearms can no longer be legally used, sold, or imported.”
The number of affected firearms ranged widely from 150,000 (data obtained from the federal government) to as many as 518,000 (data from the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association), the report added.
“The primary intent of the buyback program would be to safely buyback these now prohibited firearms from society, while offering fair compensation to businesses and lawful owners impacted by the prohibition,” said the PSPC’s memo.
Push Back
The Liberals’ gun buyback program receives strong push back from several provinces.“This new protocol for [Alberta’s Crown] prosecutors will help prevent otherwise law-abiding individuals from facing criminal charges and potential time in jail. At the same time, law enforcement and prosecution resources can be prioritized for actual violent and repeat offenders while not further clogging our already busy courts.”
The Saskatchewan government likewise introduced The Saskatchewan Firearms Act to “protect the rights of lawful firearms owners” on Dec. 1.
The figure is comparably smaller than those in larger provinces: Ontario (624,448), Quebec (486,406), Alberta (328,723), British Columbia (315,077), Saskatchewan (112,790), Manitoba (93,182), Newfoundland and Labrador (75,957), Nova Scotia (75,501), New Brunswick (70,425).
Licensed gun owners that will be impacted in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, numbered 8,056, 5,961, and 3,765, respectively.