Sask. isn't participating in Ottawa's firearm buyback program. What does that mean for gun owners?
CBC
Saskatchewan firearm owners are between a rock and a hard place if they want to take part in Canada's national gun buyback program.
The federal government has confirmed the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) will not operate in Saskatchewan or Alberta.
"Individuals from those provinces who participated in the declaration would not be able to receive compensation for their prohibited firearms unless these jurisdictions allow them to do so," Public Safety Canada said in a statement.
Since 2020 Ottawa has banned approximately 2,500 "assault-style" firearm models, arguing the weapons are intended for warfare rather than hunting or sport.
Participation in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) is voluntary, but as Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said earlier this month, "compliance with the law is not."
The federal government says gun owners have until March 31 to declare their interest in turning in the prohibited firearms.
According to the Government of Canada, a pool of $248.6 million will be used to compensate those who take part in the program. That will let the government pay for about 136,000 outlawed firearms from individual Canadians.
Compensation will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date the declaration is submitted and the availability of program funds at that time; the amnesty period for possessing banned guns will end on Oct. 30, 2026.
The Government of Saskatchewan has already said it will refuse to enforce or participate in ASFCP.
It has also introduced legislation that it says will ensure "anyone who seizes a firearm under new federal firearms laws must pay the owner fair market value as determined by the Saskatchewan Firearms Commissioner."
William Prohor-Dorma of Saskatoon said he has three firearms that would qualify for the program: two semi-automatic shotguns and a rifle.
The 37-year-old stressed that he doesn't support the ASFCP, but does want to comply with the law.
"Rather than break the law just for having them, I figured I'd take part. Maybe I could actually get a little bit of money back on something that I purchased from a licensed retailer, paid taxes on, and have been in legal possession of for years," Prohor-Dorma said.
For now, it appears he and other firearm owners in Saskatchewan are out of luck.
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