Firearms Buyback Program

From: Public Safety Canada

Keeping communities safe

Canadians should feel safe in their communities. That is why the Government of Canada is addressing gun violence with a comprehensive plan that includes strengthened firearms legislation and regulations, investments in law enforcement and border operations, and funding for communities to tackle the root causes of violence.

A central part of this plan was the ban of assault-style firearms that pose a significant threat to public safety in our communities.

About the ban and buyback program

On May 1, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a prohibition on what is now approximately 2,000 models and variants of assault-style firearms, such as the AR-15, and their upper receivers (prohibited devices). These firearms and devices can no longer be legally used, imported, or sold in Canada except under limited circumstances.

As of May 1, 2020, an amnesty order has been in place to protect lawful owners of the prohibited firearms and prohibited devices while they take steps to come into compliance with the prohibition. The amnesty period is in effect until October 30, 2025.

As part of the ban on assault-style firearms, the Government of Canada is developing a buyback program, also known as the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program, to provide fair compensation for eligible businesses and individuals who possess these prohibited firearms. Engagement on this program continues with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous organizations, and a wide variety of stakeholders including industry representatives and police associations.

See the lists of impacted firearms and devices that are eligible for compensation under the program.

Timeline for the ban and buyback program

Prohibition

May 1, 2020

The Government of Canada bans 1,500+ models and variants of assault-style firearms and their upper receivers (prohibited devices).

Amnesty order

May 1, 2020

The amnesty order comes into force. It ensures affected firearm owners and businesses are protected from criminal liability for unlawful possession while they come into compliance with the law, including having the opportunity to take part in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program.

May 22, 2024

The amnesty order was amended and proposed shipping regulations under the Firearms Act were tabled in Parliament to create other secure pathways for affected businesses to deliver the prohibited firearms and prohibited devices for deactivation and/or destruction, once the business phase of the program launches.

October 30, 2025

The amnesty order is in effect until October 30, 2025.

How the program will work

Two-phase process for the program:

Phase 1: Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program for Businesses and Industry

Program details for businesses and industry

The Government of Canada is working with the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association (CSAAA) who represents firearms retailers, distributors, and manufacturers, and helps support how businesses can participate in the program and benefit from the offered compensation. Only businesses that held a valid firearms licence on May 1, 2020 and that have maintained that licence can participate in the program.

The Government of Canada has made changes to the amnesty order and tabled proposed shipping regulations in Parliament, to create other secure options for affected businesses to deliver the prohibited firearms and prohibited devices for deactivation and/or destruction, once the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program launches.

More information on the methods affected firearms businesses can use to turn in their inventory and how they can participate in the program will be provided at a later date.

Phase 2: Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program for Individual Firearm Owners

Program details for individual firearms owners

When

The Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program for individuals will start after the business phase begins. Compensation and other program details are being finalized and will be provided at a later date.

What

Information will be provided to individual firearms owners and made public on how they can participate in the program. 

Who

Only individuals who held a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) (i.e., firearms licence) on May 1, 2020 (and who have maintained that licence), will be able to participate in the program and receive compensation for their eligible prohibited firearm(s):

• Contact information can be updated through your Canadian Firearms Program Individual Web Services (IWS) profile.
• For information on firearms licences and updating your PAL, please visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) licensing page.

Current Status

The program design for the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program is well underway, including the development of an IT processing system. The Government continues to engage with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities, police forces and private sector partners as implementation plans are finalized, and remains committed to taking the time necessary to ensure the program prioritizes public safety.

Firearms prohibited on May 1, 2020, must be stored according to their classification prior to May 1, 2020.

Firearms must:

• Be unloaded;
• Be made inoperable by means of a secure locking device (e.g., a trigger lock, bolt or bolt carrier removed);
• Not readily accessible to ammunition; AND
• Be in a locked case, cabinet, or room that is difficult to break into.

For more information on secure storage, display, transportation and handling of firearms, please visit the RCMP or Government of Canada Justice Laws pages on requirements under the amnesty order for storage and transportation of the prohibited firearms and devices.

More information will be posted on this website over the coming weeks.

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