Federal Assault-Style Firearms Buyback Opens Nationally to Individuals
OTTAWA, January 19, 2026 – The federal government has launched the national phase of its contentious Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), opening a declaration period for individual gun owners across Canada. The move follows a pilot project in Nova Scotia and aims to collect hundreds of thousands of prohibited firearms by the amnesty deadline of October 30, 2026. The program, which has faced years of delays, ballooning cost estimates, and significant political opposition, now enters its most challenging phase: securing voluntary compliance from individual owners.
Program Launch and Process
The Government of Canada announced the nationwide opening for individuals on January 17, 2026. Eligible firearm owners are now being contacted by mail or email to declare their prohibited firearms through an online portal. Only those who declare their firearms will be eligible for compensation. Following the declaration period, owners with approved claims will book appointments with local police in early 2026 to turn in their firearms and receive payment by cheque or direct deposit.
The program applies to over 2,500 makes and models of firearms prohibited through Orders-in-Council in May 2020, December 2024, and March 2025. While participation in the compensation program is voluntary, compliance with the prohibition is mandatory. Owners who do not participate must dispose of their firearms through export, deactivation, or surrender to police without compensation before the amnesty ends to avoid criminal liability.
Compensation and Costs
Compensation values are set based on the firearm’s make and model, with amounts listed on an official government schedule. Examples range from $150 for certain .22LR tactical rifles to over $1,500 for many AR-15 variants. The government has allocated $742 million from the 2024 Fall Economic Statement for the program.
However, total costs remain a major point of controversy. Initial estimates in 2019 were approximately $200 million. A June 2025 analysis by Calibre magazine concluded at least $548.1 million had been spent from 2021-2025, with a cost per firearm confiscated from businesses sitting at $24,416. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated the buyback cost could reach $756 million, while other government documents and critics suggest the final price tag, including administration, could approach $2 billion.
Key Facts and Progress
| Metric | Status |
|---|---|
| Firearms Prohibited | Over 2,500 makes and models (since May 2020) |
| Amnesty Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
| Business Phase Collection (Closed Apr. 30/25) | 12,195 firearms, over $22M in compensation |
| Individual Pilot (Cape Breton, NS Fall 2025) | Target: 200 firearms. Reports indicate ~22 collected* |
| Estimated Individual Firearms in Circulation | 125,000 – 175,000 (Gov’t est.); 518,000 (Industry est.) |
| Total Program Cost (Estimated) | $742M allocated; total cost est. $756M – $2B+ |
*Cape Breton Regional Police declined to confirm final numbers, citing a federal agreement.
Political and Enforcement Controversy
The program faces steep hurdles beyond logistics. Several provinces, notably Alberta and Saskatchewan, have vowed non-cooperation. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has instructed provincial law enforcement not to prioritize enforcement and is exploring a provincial licensing scheme to circumvent the federal prohibition.
Enforcement remains a key question. In a leaked audio recording from September 2025, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree suggested to an acquaintance that municipal police lack resources to enforce the ban against non-compliant individuals. He later called his comments “misguided.” Police associations, including the National Police Federation (RCMP) and the Toronto Police Association, have stated the program diverts critical resources from combating illegal firearms smuggled from the United States, which they identify as the primary source of crime guns.
Polling reflects public skepticism. A Leger poll released in 2025 by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation found 55% of Canadians believe stopping illegal gun smuggling is the most effective way to reduce gun crime, not a buyback of legally owned firearms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the gun buyback mandatory?
Participation in the compensation program is voluntary. However, the prohibition on owning the listed assault-style firearms is law. Owners must legally dispose of these firearms (via the buyback, export, or deactivation) by October 30, 2026, or face potential criminal charges for illegal possession of a prohibited firearm.
How much will I get for my firearm?
Compensation is set by a government price list based on the Firearm Reference Number (FRN), make, and model. Amounts typically range from $150 to over $1,500. Owners must check the official list on the Canada.ca website or call the program contact centre.
What happens if I don’t turn in my firearm?
After the amnesty ends on October 30, 2026, possession of a prohibited firearm is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison. The government has stated law enforcement will be responsible for enforcing the Criminal Code.
Why is the program so controversial?
Critics argue it is costly, inefficient, and targets law-abiding licensed owners rather than the illegal firearms used in most gun crimes. Proponents state it removes dangerous weapons designed for military use from communities, fulfilling a long-standing commitment to enhance public safety.