“Our gun buyback program is working, on time, and on budget. We banned these dangerous guns to keep Canadians safe. Owners who turn them in will get fair compensation. If anyone is having trouble shipping their guns, we have extended the deadline and can help them.”

“Mr. Speaker, to go straight to the matter, the answer to the question of the hon. member is, yes, they should get the fair compensation to which they are entitled. If they do not, please come to me. We will make sure they do. I am pleased to respond to the hon. member for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound. He told us that some of his constituents had difficulty returning their firearms. He took this to heart, and I want to thank him for helping his constituents do the right thing. Today, I want to speak about our government’s commitment to strengthening gun control in Canada and our progress in delivering an efficient compensation program to affected firearms owners. In 2020, following the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history in Portapique, Nova Scotia, where 22 plus one people died, the government took the decision that the significant risk certain firearms pose outweighed any justification for their continued availability within Canada and, hence, banned over 2,000 makes and models. These are firearms that are not appropriate for hunting or sport shooting and exceed safe civilian use. Additional assault-style firearms were banned in December 2024 and March 2025, totalling approximately 2,500 prohibited firearms. In all fairness, banning these firearms implied a fair compensation for those firearm owners, hence, the compensation program. Now nearing its completion, the government is continuing to successfully collect firearms for compensation. We are delivering this program on time and within the funding envelope approved by Parliament. Since January 2026, close to 100 assault-style firearms have been declared in the compensation program for individual owners and businesses. More than 40,000 individuals have been turning in their firearms to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, local police services or secure mobile collection units over the past month. In a small number of cases, for example, owners who live very far from an in-person collection location, the program has recently invited them to ship their firearms. While most owners have successfully shipped their firearms, we are indeed aware that others may have faced challenges. In those cases, shipping deadlines have been extended. At any rate, our call centre staff have been and are still available to help resolve any issues participants may face with shipping or any other concerns. For their reference, the number is 1-833-759-4551. We remain committed to supporting owners who declare their firearms so that they can fully participate and receive compensation. Individuals who have had difficulty shipping will be accommodated past the program deadline. The success of the program for individuals builds on the success of the business program. That program has been able to claim over 61,000 firearms. These businesses continue to ship their firearms and receive fair compensation in return. We are serious about removing assault-style firearms from our streets to limit the devastating effects of firearm violence.”

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“Experts, not politicians, decided which firearms are assault-style weapons based on the huge damage they can cause. Stopping gun violence takes more than one program. Our plan also includes stronger borders, tougher penalties for smuggling guns, taking away licences in cases of domestic abuse, and funding to stop gang violence. We are keeping Canadians safe while treating law-abiding gun owners fairly.”

“Mr. Speaker, we have left it to experts to determine which firearms are assault rifles. This is not a political matter. It is for experts to decide. Basically, there are firearms that can do massive amounts of damage, as we have seen in mass shootings recently. No single program in this initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. As a matter of fact, the government’s comprehensive plan to keep Canadians safe from guns also includes, and this is important to mention, strengthening our borders, tougher penalties for smuggling guns, red flag laws and the revocation of licences in cases of intimate partner violence. There is also the gun and gang violence action fund and the building safer communities fund. With these initiatives, the government is taking concrete steps to make Canada less vulnerable to firearm violence, while being fair to responsible and law-abiding firearms owners.”