Officials outline enforcement approach under federal gun law as critics raise concerns over participation and implementation.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Canada’s federal government is moving forward with enforcement measures tied to its sweeping firearms legislation, as officials acknowledge low participation rates among gun owners and outline plans for expanded confiscation efforts.
The policy stems from legislation introduced under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which imposed restrictions on handgun purchases and created a framework for the removal of certain semiautomatic firearms. The bill received Royal Assent in December 2023.
During a parliamentary exchange, Conservative Member of Parliament Dane Lloyd questioned Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree about compliance levels ahead of a declaration deadline.
“Minister, the declaration period for firearms owners is scheduled to end next week. So far, only 2.5 percent of the estimated two million effected firearms have been declared and 98 percent [of] firearms owners haven’t made a declaration,” Lloyd said. “So, if they’re not declaring by next week, what’s your plan, Minister?”
Anandasangaree responded that enforcement efforts would begin after the enrollment period closes, stating that authorities plan to proceed with collection activities in the months that follow.
“The plan we have is as of March 31st, the time to complete the enrollment, will be, will be done and then the RCMP and other agencies will be available throughout the spring and the summer to do the collection,” he said.
Lloyd pressed further on whether existing police resources would be redirected for enforcement, noting staffing shortages and broader public safety concerns. Anandasangaree said additional personnel would be used for the initiative.
“The RCMP resources and the resources we will use with law enforcement, does not contemplate in any way using existing resources,” he said. “These are additional resources, so these are those who are off duty, those who may be retired … But let me be very clear, it is in no way to take away from existing police resources.”
The legislation builds on earlier measures that prohibited more than 2,500 types of firearms following a 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia, as reported here. The current framework includes a government-backed buyback program for affected firearms.
Advocacy organizations have responded to the policy. The National Rifle Association issued a statement criticizing the Canadian approach. In a post, NRA Director of Public Affairs Justin Davis said, “Canadian officials swore up and down that their so-called ‘common-sense’ gun grab was only about public safety. We told you exactly where this was headed: mandatory registration and mass confiscation.”
Separately, firearm policy discussions have expanded internationally. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans for stricter firearm measures following a December 2025 attack in Sydney.
Canadian officials have not provided detailed figures on enforcement timelines or the scope of collection operations beyond the initial phase. The rollout of the program continues as authorities prepare for implementation following the declaration deadline.