More than three decades after a mass shooting reshaped Canada’s national conversation on gun control, the country is grappling with fresh challenges in implementing a key policy aimed at curbing firearm violence. The federal government’s ambitious plan to buy back thousands of banned assault-style weapons has encountered resistance, confusion, and criticism from multiple quarters, raising concerns about whether it will achieve its intended impact.
The push for stricter gun laws in Canada can be traced back to 1989, when a gunman killed 14 women at Montreal’s École Polytechnique, an event that profoundly altered public attitudes towards firearms. Survivors such as Heidi Rathjen have since remained at the forefront of advocacy for tighter controls. Decades later, following another deadly mass shooting in Nova Scotia in 2020 that claimed 22 lives, the federal government announced a ban on approximately 2,500 models of what it classified as “assault-style” firearms.
As part of that effort, Ottawa introduced a buyback programme, allocating over C$215 million to compensate gun owners who surrender these now-prohibited weapons. However, the rollout has been uneven. While more than 67,000 firearms have been voluntarily declared by over 37,000 owners, the government had initially projected buying back around 136,000 guns, suggesting a significant shortfall.
Critics argue that the scheme suffers from design and implementation flaws. Rathjen, now a spokesperson for gun control group PolySeSouvient, has warned that the ban does not go far enough, saying that without a comprehensive prohibition, the effort risks being ineffective and wasteful. Even within the government, doubts have surfaced. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree faced embarrassment after a leaked recording captured him questioning the logic of the programme, particularly given that most gun-related crimes in Canada involve illegal firearms. He later clarified that his remarks were misguided and reaffirmed his support for the initiative.
Experts point to international examples to highlight Canada’s difficulties. In Australia, a swift and comprehensive response following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre led to the successful buyback and destruction of around 650,000 firearms. Similarly, New Zealand collected about 56,000 guns after the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. Public health expert Joel Negin noted that Australia’s success was driven by rapid implementation, coordinated policy measures, and strong funding mechanisms, factors he says are lacking in Canada’s fragmented approach.
Opposition has also come from within the country. Gun owners and retailers argue that the policy unfairly targets law-abiding citizens such as hunters and sport shooters. Montreal-based gun shop owner Frank Nardi said many in the firearms community feel confused about which weapons are banned, blaming poor communication from authorities. He also questioned inconsistencies in the classification of firearms, noting that nearly identical guns can fall on opposite sides of the ban.
Provincial resistance has further complicated implementation. Alberta and Saskatchewan have refused to participate in the programme, with Saskatchewan introducing measures to shield gun owners from penalties until fair compensation is guaranteed. Officials in these provinces have criticised the policy as ideologically driven and lacking clear public safety benefits.
Adding to the challenge, several police forces have declined to assist in enforcing the scheme, citing operational burdens and arguing that resources would be better spent tackling illegal gun smuggling, much of which is linked to cross-border trafficking from the United States. Data from Ontario indicates that about 91% of handguns recovered from crimes in 2024 originated south of the border.
Despite these obstacles, public support for gun control in Canada remains strong. Surveys show a majority of Canadians believe existing laws are either adequate or not strict enough, with significant backing for banning military-style firearms. Canadian gun laws are already more stringent than those in the US, requiring licensing, safety training, and background checks for ownership.
The government has reiterated its commitment to moving forward with the buyback programme. Officials maintain that such weapons have no place in Canadian communities and have thanked gun owners who have voluntarily complied so far. Yet with ongoing resistance and logistical hurdles, the programme’s ultimate effectiveness remains uncertain as Canada continues to navigate the complex terrain of gun control policy.
