Ottawa Launches National Phase of Gun Buyback Program

The federal government has officially initiated the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) for individual owners. This program aims to remove approximately 136,000 banned firearms from circulation following the May 2020 prohibition of over 2,500 models.

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Critical Deadlines

• January 19, 2026: Online declaration portal opens to the public.
• March 31, 2026: Final deadline to submit a declaration for compensation.
• October 30, 2026: Expiry of the amnesty period. Possession after this date may result in criminal charges.

Compensation & Funding

The government has allocated $250 million for this phase. Key financial details include:

• Processing: Payments will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Timeline: Once a firearm is validated and surrendered, payments are expected within 45 business days.
• Requirement: Owners must hold a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) to claim compensation.

Compliance Options

To remain in compliance with federal law by October 30, owners have four primary paths:

1. The Buyback: Declare the firearm by March 31 and surrender it to the RCMP or local police for payment.
2. Deactivation: Have the firearm permanently deactivated by a certified gunsmith (costs covered by the program if declared).
3. Export: Legally export the firearm to a jurisdiction where it remains lawful (at the owner’s expense).
4. Surrender Without Pay: Relinquish the firearm to police after the compensation deadline has passed.

Program Challenges

While the federal government moves forward, the program faces significant pushback from several provincial governments, particularly in Western Canada, regarding the use of local police resources for seizure and the methodology used to determine “fair market value.”