First steps of Canada’s gun buyback program released

The federal government has announced details of the first phase of its gun buyback program, beginning with industry.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says Ottawa has signed a contract with the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association (CSAAA) to work with businesses and retailers that currently hold inventory prohibited under a May 2020 order-in-council.

The deal will see the federal government retrieve assault-style weapons and parts that are currently still in the marketplace but can’t be sold.

“We’re working with retailers and the government to streamline the process of buying them back,” Mendicino said.

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The first step in launching the government’s program comes three years after the cabinet decision to ban about 1,500 models of firearms in the wake of a mass shooting in Nova Scotia, the deadliest in modern Canadian history.

This phase involving industry will begin later this year. The next will be to buy back guns from individual owners, who currently have amnesty under an order that is set to expire in October.

“Assault-style firearms were designed for a battlefield and they have no place in our communities,” Mendicino said.

While he says this is a significant step toward clearing Canada’s streets of dangerous weapons, the CSAAA sent out several tweets while the minister was talking Wednesday morning, saying it remains “skeptical” of this industry buyback program, citing concerns about a lack of implementation process.

The CSAAA says its “goal is to help negotiate fair compensation and a simple process for businesses struggling through this challenging regulatory environment,” adding it will not participate in the buyback from individuals.

The Conservatives have been opposed to the firearms ban and buyback program, saying it unfairly targets legal owners. On their way into caucus Wednesday morning, MPs would not comment.

Meanwhile, Mendicino says the Liberal government will be transparent about the cost of the program, but he did not provide further details at the announcement.