More Than 22,000 Firearms Reported in First Week of Compensation Program
OTTAWA — More than 22,000 firearms were reported to the federal government in the first week of Canada’s new firearms compensation program. Public Safety Canada released the figures on Monday, showing 22,251 guns were declared. The program offers compensation for banned firearms that owners turn in or deactivate.
The announcement came as Ottawa continues efforts to reduce the number of prohibited weapons in circulation. Since May 2020, the federal government has outlawed about 2,500 types of firearms, including widely known models such as the AR‑15.
Details of the Program
The compensation program runs until the end of March and allows gun owners to declare interest in turning in or permanently deactivating banned firearms. Once declared, participants may receive payment from a federal fund.
Officials said the government has set aside nearly $250 million for the program. They expect the funds to cover compensation for about 136,000 firearms if owners participate.
Prohibited firearms and devices must be disposed of or rendered unusable before the amnesty period ends on October 30. Owners who fail to comply face legal consequences under current federal law.
Government Goals and Reactions
Public Safety Canada aims to remove as many banned guns as possible from civilian possession. Officials argue that reducing access to these weapons will improve public safety over time.
The program’s initial response exceeded some expectations, with tens of thousands of firearms declared in its first week alone. However, the total number of prohibited firearms in Canada is much higher, and many owners have not yet participated.
Critics of the program argue that compensation levels and enforcement details remain unclear. Some law enforcement and advocacy groups say the program must balance public safety with fairness for lawful firearm owners.
What’s Next
Officials plan outreach efforts to encourage continued participation. They say the early weeks are critical to building momentum. As the March deadline approaches, authorities will monitor participation rates and adjust messaging to maximize compliance.
