Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree recently reassured an individual that they need not fear arrest for refusing to surrender a prohibited firearm, as municipal police lack the necessary resources to prioritize such cases. In a leaked audio conversation, Anandasangaree disclosed the imminent announcement of a new phase in the federal firearm buyback initiative, along with a pilot project in Nova Scotia.
Since May 2020, the Canadian government has banned around 2,500 assault-style firearms and is implementing a buyback program to fairly compensate owners for surrendering their prohibited firearms. An amnesty period is in effect until Oct. 30, shielding gun owners from criminal repercussions as they relinquish or render their outlawed firearms inoperable.
During the recorded discussion, Anandasangaree downplayed the likelihood of his acquaintance facing arrest for non-compliance, citing the limited capacity of municipal police services. He also mentioned that the budget for the buyback program is capped at $742 million. In response to the leaked recording, Anandasangaree acknowledged engaging with individuals who oppose the government’s gun safety approach and expressed regret for his remarks, emphasizing his commitment to implementing the policy promptly.
In Parliament, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Anandasangaree’s remarks captured in the recording, insinuating a lack of support for the buyback program. Anandasangaree countered by emphasizing the importance of responsible gun control and questioned the Conservative stance on firearms regulation. Poilievre accused the Liberals of misallocating funds that could benefit law enforcement and border security by targeting law-abiding gun owners instead.