Ottawa Claims Success With Buyback Program

Brian Teepell/USPA 24 News - The federal government collected twenty-five guns in a recent pilot project in Nova Scotia as part of its new "buyback" initiative.

Noémie Allard, spokesperson for the office of the Public Safety Minister, has announced that “A total of 25 prohibited firearms, turned in by 16 participants, were destroyed. The total compensation paid to pilot participants is $26,535.”

The target of 200 weapons has not deterred Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. "The pilot was designed to test aspects of the program beyond mere quantity," he noted to reporters Monday. "In my view, the pilot has achieved overall success."

What criteria should be used to assess the impact of this policy? Will the removal of firearms from these 16 individuals lead to improved safety for Canadians? Can we anticipate a decrease in carjackings and home invasions in the suburbs of Toronto or a reduction in gang violence in downtown Vancouver? The answer is no, and this is not only because of the low numbers, but because those who surrender their firearms are licensed owners.

Those against the expropriation program say it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners. They claim that most of the 2,500 prohibited firearms(on the list) are used for recreational hunting or sports purposes. Bad actors who use guns for criminal or other purposes will likely ignore the program altogether. They may not be the type who want to be on the government’s radar.

However, the situation deteriorated further when Anandasangaree acknowledged that the program was tailored to gain favor with Liberal voters in Quebec. "Quebec is distinct from other Canadian regions, and this issue holds significant importance for many Quebec voters who supported our party."

What is the future direction of the government's plan? The government plans to roll out the buyback program in the next few weeks, with an amnesty period in effect until the end of 2026. Alberta and Saskatchewan are formally opposing the program, daring the federal government to take them to court, while the Ontario Provincial Police is refusing to participate. By any metric, Ottawa seems to be living in a state of denial, and is certainly facing a major fiasco.