The federal government’s nationwide firearm buyback initiative is encountering challenges in Alberta, as the province has opted not to support or engage in it. Since 2020, the government has prohibited approximately 2,500 “assault-style” gun models, citing their military use rather than for hunting or sports purposes.
Participation in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) is voluntary, with gun owners interested in surrendering their banned firearms and receiving compensation from the government having until March 31 to express their intent. However, through a legislative motion passed in December, the Alberta government is resisting by refusing to take part in the compensation program and prohibiting local law enforcement from involvement.
Alberta has confirmed that it will not enforce the program, aligning with Saskatchewan in its stance. Manitoba has also stated its intention not to enforce the buyback initiative. Despite the voluntary nature of the ASFCP, it remains unlawful for Canadians to possess the prohibited firearms. Failure to declare interest by the March 31 deadline renders individuals ineligible for federal compensation upon surrendering their firearms. The amnesty period for possessing banned guns concludes on October 30.
While Alberta is not actively implementing the buyback program, residents can still submit declarations. The provincial chief firearms officer, Teri Bryant, emphasized that it is the federal government’s responsibility to enforce the ASFCP in Alberta. The federal government must appoint seizure agents to collect the firearms since Alberta law enforcement will not accept them under the buyback program.
Individuals who submit declarations by March 31 are expected to receive compensation from the program’s funding pool within 45 business days after validation. However, submission of a declaration does not guarantee compensation, as applications and firearms must be approved. Additionally, firearms can be surrendered to a licensed gunsmith in Alberta for decommissioning.
JR Cox, from Calgary-based Sterling Arms International, expressed concerns about the reliability of the program based on his business interactions with the government during a previous gun buyback initiative. The business-based program resulted in the collection and destruction of 12,000 firearms. Despite the program’s challenges, Albertans who wish to dispose of their prohibited firearms can still surrender them to the police, albeit without compensation.
The Calgary Police Service indicated that while it will not participate in the program, gun owners can voluntarily surrender their firearms to the police without compensation. Last year, over 450 guns were turned in voluntarily to the Calgary Police Service.