Canada's Gun Control Initiative Faces Major Hurdles

Sat Apr 04 2026 14:57:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Canada embarks on its largest gun control effort in decades with a controversial buyback program for assault-style weapons, but faces criticism and logistical challenges.

Canada's recent gun control measures, aimed at banning assault-style rifles, are struggling to achieve their intended goals. A buyback initiative set to reclaim prohibited firearms is hindered by mistrust among gun owners, provincial non-participation, and criticism from various stakeholders, including the government officials themselves. Activists argue that the efforts are insufficient without a comprehensive approach to gun violence.

Heidi Rathjen has been advocating for a ban on assault-style rifles since 1989, following a harrowing shooting event in Montreal's École Polytechnique where 14 women lost their lives. This incident sparked a shift in Canada’s perspective on gun violence.

Fast forward to 2020, after another tragic mass shooting, the Canadian government announced a ban on approximately 2,500 types of 'assault-style' weapons. However, an initiative to buy back these now-prohibited guns has experienced a rocky start and is likely to deviate from its intended path.

Distrust among legal gun owners towards the buyback process is prevalent, with two provinces choosing not to participate; even proponents of gun control such as Rathjen express concerns that the measures do not apply broadly enough. 'Without a comprehensive ban on assault weapons, there is no ban… and the money will be wasted,' said Rathjen, who represents the advocacy group PolySeSouvient.

The Canadian Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, has also been caught expressing skepticism regarding the government's plans in a leaked conversation, further complicating the initiative. He remarked on the illogic of the program since many gun-related crimes stem from illegal weapons.

Comparisons to successful gun buyback programs in countries like Australia and New Zealand highlight challenges in Canada, where the execution appears disjointed. Joel Negin from the University of Sydney notes the success of Australia's rapid and well-funded response to their crisis, unlike Canada’s fragmented implementation.

Despite these challenges, Canada remains committed to the buyback scheme, having allocated over C$215 million for the effort. However, nearly 67,000 firearms have been voluntarily registered, significantly less than the anticipated total of 136,000 guns the government aimed to reclaim.

With a looming October 30 deadline for destruction of firearms and ongoing legal challenges against the buyback program, Canada's approach to gun control appears troubled and uncertain. Activists and lawmakers alike are questioning the government's plans, fueling the debate over the relationship between gun laws and public safety in Canada.