Canada’s New Firearm Ban and Buyback Program: What Does It Mean?

In a significant move aimed at reducing gun violence, the Canadian government has announced the addition of 324 new makes and models of firearms to its list of prohibited weapons. This action expands the 2020 ban, which already saw over 1,500 firearms made illegal. The government is also rolling out a long-awaited buyback program to remove these firearms from circulation, with the process beginning in just a few days. While the government views these measures as an essential step towards public safety, critics are questioning the effectiveness of these policies, given the ongoing rise in gun-related crimes.

The Ban: What’s Changing?

Effective immediately, the 324 additional firearms will be classified as prohibited in Canada. This means these weapons can no longer be legally used, sold, or imported into the country. Furthermore, they can only be transferred or transported under highly restricted conditions. The government estimates that this new prohibition will remove approximately 14,520 firearms from Canadian communities.

This move is part of Canada's broader effort to limit the circulation of assault-style firearms, which have been at the center of public debate following a series of mass shootings and rising concerns over gun violence. For many Canadians, the announcement is seen as a step towards a safer society, especially in the wake of tragic events like the Polytechnique Massacre, which survivors and advocates joined in support of the government’s decision.

The Buyback Program: A Promised Solution

Along with the ban, the government is launching a buyback program to purchase prohibited firearms from owners. The buyback initiative is something Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised for years, and it is finally starting to take shape. Initially, the program will focus on firearms held by businesses, dealers, and shops, with plans to expand it to private owners in the coming months. While the program has faced delays in the past, the government is now pushing to start the process in just a matter of days.

However, questions about the feasibility and effectiveness of the buyback program remain. How will the government determine the value of these firearms, especially considering that many of them have been sitting dormant since the initial 2020 ban? Furthermore, with no immediate impact on violent crime, some are skeptical about how much the buyback will actually reduce gun-related incidents.

The Controversy: Will It Work?

While the government insists that taking these weapons off the streets is a crucial step in curbing gun violence, some critics argue that these measures won't address the root causes of firearm-related crimes. For instance, a review of the statistics from 2022 reveals that violent firearm crimes actually increased by 9% over the previous year, despite the 2020 firearm ban. There were 14,000 firearm-related violent incidents in 2022—about 1,400 more than in 2021.

James Moore, a former conservative cabinet minister, expressed concern that simply banning more firearms without tackling the criminal use of guns or addressing the underlying causes of violence won't lead to significant change. He argues that the government’s focus on expanding the list of prohibited firearms and launching a buyback program might sound good politically, but the reality is that these measures are unlikely to stop criminals from using guns or deter those planning violent acts.

Moore also points out that the government’s promise of a buyback program, which was first made four and a half years ago, has yet to see tangible results. Even now, with the portal for the buyback program open, there are no clear guidelines on how much firearms will be worth, making it unclear whether the program will succeed in convincing firearm owners to sell their weapons.

Gun Violence in Canada: The Bigger Picture

Despite the ban and buyback initiative, gun violence continues to rise in some parts of Canada. In cities like Toronto, shootings have increased by 37% over the past year, despite the implementation of stricter handgun laws. This raises the question: Are these new policies addressing the real problem?

Experts argue that while banning assault-style firearms and launching buyback programs may help reduce access to some dangerous weapons, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on gun violence if the underlying issues are not addressed. Gun violence is often tied to organized crime, gang activity, and mental health issues—factors that cannot be solved by simply removing certain types of guns from the streets.

Furthermore, as Moore pointed out, criminals who are intent on committing violent acts are unlikely to be deterred by the government’s buyback program. These individuals are not going to surrender their firearms in exchange for government compensation, and they will continue to find illegal means to obtain weapons.

The Global Angle: Firearms for Ukraine?

In a controversial move, the Canadian government has floated the idea of sending some of the banned firearms to Ukraine to support its ongoing war effort against Russia. The government suggests that these weapons could be used by Ukrainian soldiers, further complicating the debate surrounding the ban. Critics, including Moore, have questioned the practicality of this idea, arguing that the firearms in question are unlikely to be suitable for military use in Ukraine, given the specific ammunition and specifications required for combat.

A Divisive Issue

The announcement of the expanded firearm ban and buyback program has sparked a wide range of reactions across Canada. For many Canadians, particularly those in urban areas, the ban represents a necessary step towards reducing gun violence. Survivors of mass shootings and their families have long pushed for stricter gun control measures, and the expansion of the prohibition on assault-style firearms is seen as a victory for public safety.

However, for others—especially those in rural communities or among gun owners—the new restrictions are seen as an overreach that penalizes law-abiding citizens without effectively addressing the root causes of gun violence. Some worry that the ban will not lead to a significant reduction in violent crimes, and may only make it harder for responsible gun owners to engage in hunting or sport shooting.

Conclusion: A Work in Progress

While the Canadian government’s latest actions regarding gun control are an important step in the ongoing debate over firearms, it remains to be seen whether they will have the desired effect. The ban and buyback program represent an ambitious effort to reduce gun violence, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address the broader social and criminal issues that contribute to gun crime. Ultimately, the success of these policies will depend on how effectively they are implemented and whether they are accompanied by broader reforms to tackle the root causes of violence in Canadian society. As the buyback program begins and the public reacts, the real question remains: Will these measures lead to a safer Canada, or are they just the beginning of a much larger and more complex problem?