Canada’s federal gun buyback program is facing questions about its effectiveness after relatively low participation rates, especially in Manitoba. As the deadline passed for owners to declare prohibited assault-style firearms, new figures show a significant gap between government expectations and actual uptake, fueling criticism from gun advocates and adding momentum to an ongoing legal and political debate over the program’s future. The Winnipeg Free Press covered the story – Fewer than 2500 Manitobans declare intention to turn over prohibited firearms in federal buyback program.
The Federal government has now announced a “re-opening” of the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) for businesses starting April 23, 2026, allowing eligible firearms retailers and businesses to apply for compensation on newly prohibited inventory. The program, which is voluntary until Oct 30, 2026, provides a limited window for additional claims before the June 4, 2026, deadline.
