Canada’s gun buyback program faces criticism despite broad support for stricter firearm laws

Canada’s nationwide firearm buyback program is drawing criticism even though public support for strict gun control remains strong across the country.

The program, which began implementation this year, is designed to compensate gun owners for turning in assault-style weapons that have been banned under sweeping reforms introduced after the country’s deadliest mass shooting in 2020. Owners of thousands of prohibited firearm models must register to surrender them or permanently deactivate them by late 2026.

But the rollout has faced delays, political resistance, and logistical hurdles. Several provinces — including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba — have refused to participate, with some local police departments also declining involvement. Federal officials say they will use mobile collection units where local cooperation is limited, but questions remain about how those units will operate.

Canada has millions of privately owned firearms, far more than the government has funding to buy back. Experts say that gap — along with political divisions and a sizable gun-owning community — complicates enforcement despite strong overall public support for gun regulation.

Critics argue the program may unfairly target law-abiding owners while doing little to address illegal firearms, many of which are smuggled across the US border. Some researchers also question whether buyback programs significantly reduce violent crime, noting they often collect weapons from people unlikely to commit crimes.

Supporters counter that the program is intended to reduce the risk of mass shootings by removing certain high-capacity firearms from civilian use. Advocates say no single law can prevent every tragedy, but stricter regulations can lower overall risk.

As Canada continues to implement the program, the debate reflects a broader policy challenge — balancing strong public support for gun control with practical concerns about enforcement, cost, and effectiveness.

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