Story perspectives

Canada's Gun Buyback Program Faces Police Opposition and Inefficiency

4/2/2026

Center

Gun Buyback Challenges

The Canadian federal government's gun buyback program faces significant challenges as local police forces withdraw support.
Ontario's major police services and many municipalities have labeled the initiative a bureaucratic distraction.
Critics highlight inefficiency, citing a Cape Breton pilot that collected only 25 firearms.
Alberta's Premier has barred local police from participating, complicating compliance for residents.
Ottawa plans to deploy Mobile Collection Units to assist in areas lacking local police involvement.

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Government Critiques States

The Australian federal government has criticized state leaders for not backing its national gun buyback scheme.
As of March, only New South Wales supports the initiative, while Queensland, South Australia, and Northern Territory reject it.
The South Australian government says it has strong existing laws and seeks further consultation before any changes.
The buyback is expected to end by January 2028, with costs shared between the federal and state governments.

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Gun Buyback Challenges

The Canadian federal government's gun buyback program faces significant challenges as local police forces withdraw support.
Ontario's major police services and many municipalities have labeled the initiative a bureaucratic distraction.
Critics highlight inefficiency, citing a Cape Breton pilot that collected only 25 firearms.
Alberta's Premier has barred local police from participating, complicating compliance for residents.
Ottawa plans to deploy Mobile Collection Units to assist in areas lacking local police involvement.

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