Nova Scotia Kicks Off Next Phase of Ambitious Assault-Style Firearm Buyback Program

The federal government's long-standing commitment to enhance public safety is taking another significant step forward as the next phase of its assault-style firearm buyback program officially commences in Nova Scotia. This initiative is designed to remove dangerous weapons from communities, a move widely seen as crucial for mitigating gun violence across Canada.

Owners of more than 1,500 models and variants of assault-style firearms, which were prohibited by an Order in Council in May 2020, will now be directly contacted by Public Safety Canada.

These communications will outline the necessary steps to participate in the mandatory buyback program, ensuring a structured and orderly process for the surrender of these weapons.

This phase marks a pivotal moment, as Nova Scotia becomes the frontrunner in implementing the full scope of the program.

While voluntary collection events have taken place in various locations, this targeted outreach in Nova Scotia signifies a more active and systematic approach to retrieving these firearms. The government's goal is unequivocal: to reduce the availability of weapons that pose a high risk to public safety.

Public Safety Canada, in close collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), will facilitate the secure collection of these prohibited firearms.

Owners will be provided with clear instructions on how to safely and securely transfer their firearms to law enforcement officials, minimizing risks and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

Compensation for surrendered firearms will be offered based on a clear, consistent framework. The government has established a fair valuation system to compensate owners for their prohibited weapons, acknowledging the financial aspect for individuals who acquired these firearms legally prior to the ban.

This ensures that the program is not only effective in its primary goal but also fair to those impacted.

The comprehensive ban on assault-style firearms and the subsequent buyback program are foundational components of the government's broader strategy to combat gun violence. By removing weapons specifically designed for rapid, high-capacity firing, authorities aim to prevent their misuse in violent crimes, mass shootings, and other dangerous incidents that threaten the peace and security of Canadian communities.

This phase in Nova Scotia serves as a critical precedent for future expansions of the program across other provinces.

It represents a determined effort to fulfill a promise to Canadians: to create safer environments by rigorously controlling access to dangerous weapons and actively removing them from civilian hands. The focus remains on community safety, underscoring the government's dedication to proactive measures against gun violence.