The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has announced that they will not be taking part in the federal government’s buyback program for banned assault-style firearms. This decision comes after discussions with the provincial government, as confirmed by a spokesperson.
According to OPP spokesperson Gosia Puzio, the OPP lacks the capacity to collect all ‘assault-style’ firearms in the province. While prohibited guns can be surrendered at an OPP detachment, no compensation will be provided.
The OPP’s stance aligns with other Ontario police forces and some provinces that have chosen not to participate in the federal program. Concerns have been raised by police services, including those in southwestern Ontario, regarding the program’s implementation and its impact on their resources.
The federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program aims to encourage gun owners to surrender over 2,500 makes and models of firearms that have been deemed illegal since 2020. These firearms, such as the AR-15, are designed for warfare rather than hunting or sport. It is important to note that assault-style weapons differ from assault rifles, which are already prohibited and fully automatic weapons used by militaries.
Individuals interested in the buyback program must complete a declaration process by March 31. The program’s funding pool amounts to $248.6 million, and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with payouts not guaranteed.
Regardless, all owners of listed weapons must dispose of or “permanently deactivate” them before the amnesty period concludes on October 30, 2026.