Canada Enacts Further Restrictions on Assault-Style Firearms
Ottawa, ON –
The Canadian government has announced yet another step in its ongoing effort to curb gun violence through a new prohibition on 324additional models of assault-style firearms, bringing the total number of prohibited models to over 2,000. This announcement, made on December 5, 2024, follows a similar ban in May 2020 and comprises part of a wider national strategy to address gun violence in Canada.
“We’re taking concrete steps to make sure our communities can all feel safe, and these steps include by making sure that these arm arm families, there are consequences for gun traffickers, that we’re doing everything we can to keep firearms away from people who shouldn’t have them, and that youth are not exposed to violence,” said Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, during a press conference.
The government also announced it is moving forward with regulatory measures aimed at ensuring that all firearms entering the Canadian market are accounted for while strengthening existing legislation to further combat the growing concerns surrounding gender-based violence.
The new prohibition took immediate effect, rendering the additional firearms models illegal to possess, sell, or import into Canada. Those who legally owned these firearms prior to the announcement are permitted to continue ownership under strict conditions outlined in the accompanying Amnesty Order. This order, expiring October 30, 2025, offers legal protection to these individuals while they comply with the new rules.
This latest prohibition builds on existing government actions, including investments to thwart firearm smuggling and trafficking, strengthening existing gun controls and enacting new legislation through Bill C-21. Passed in 2023, Bill C-21 codified a freeze on the sale, transfer, and importation of handguns for individuals. The government intends to further address the stark reality of gun violence, particularly in relation to gender-based violence, and introduce regulations concerning large-capacity magazines by March 2025.
A new comprehensive compensation program, the Assault Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), now encompasses all prohibited firearm models, including the new additions. The Government aims to implement its program in phases essentially starting now. This forward-looking approach is expected to initiate with a small group of businesses in coming days. Afterwards the program expands to businesses involved. All participating businesses must undergo a careful vetting process to determine official participation in this program.
The scrolling gun violence isn’t confined coronation.
The Minister of Health, Mark Holland explained these measures to prevent military-style weapons from entering the wrong hands.
In a move showing solidarity with Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict,
Canada is committed to working with firearms businesses to identify suitable military-style firearms for potential donation. These firearms would be donated to support Ukraine’s fight for democracy.
“The announcement highlights Canada’s ongoing commitment to accomplishing a record high on the federal level in our unwavering effort against gun violence in Canada,” said Minister of Public Services and Focusing on immediate safety measures in addition to preventing future acquisition of prohibited
“We will fight terror underlines
The government is empowering a Special Panel of experts to advise on securing the safety of remaining legal firearm origins. with specific realities of the👶guns currently available in Canada.”
The expectation remains that businesses will work hand-in-hand with the government, and astutely comply with all new regulations.
What are the concerns raised by opponents to the assault-style weapons ban?
## Canada’s Expanding Assault-Weapon Ban: A Discussion
**Host:** Welcome back. Joining us today to discuss the newly announced expansion of Canada’s assault-style firearms ban is Dr. Emily Carter, a criminologist and firearms policy expert from the University of Toronto. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Carter:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, the Canadian government announced the addition of 324 new models to the list of banned assault-style firearms. This brings the total number to over 2,000 prohibited weapons in Canada. What are your thoughts on this latest move?
**Dr. Carter:** This is a significant step in Canada’s ongoing efforts to address gun violence.
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The government has been steadily tightening gun control measures, and this ban represents a continuation of that trend. It’s important to remember that the ultimate goal is to create a safer society, and restricting access to weapons with high rates of lethality is a key part of that strategy.
**Host:** Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc stated that these measures are part of a wider commitment to “make sure our communities can all feel safe.” Can you elaborate on how these types of bans contribute to public safety?
**Dr. Carter:** There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that stricter gun control, including bans on assault-style weapons, can have a positive impact on public safety.
These weapons are designed for military use, and their presence in civilian hands increases the risk of mass shootings and other incidents of gun violence. By limiting access to these firearms, we can potentially reduce the lethality of these events.
**Host:** Of course, these measures are often met with resistance from gun owners. What would you say to concerns about infringement on the rights of law-abiding citizens?
**Dr. Carter:** I understand the concerns about individual rights. However, it’s crucial to balance those rights with the collective right to safety and security.
These bans are not about taking away guns from responsible owners. They are targeted measures aimed at reducing the availability of weapons that pose a disproportionate threat to public safety.
**Host:**
The government also mentioned new regulatory measures regarding firearms entering the Canadian market. Could you expand on those?
**Dr. Carter:** Yes, the government is looking to implement stricter controls on the importation and sale of firearms. This includes better tracking systems to ensure all firearms entering the country are accounted for and strengthening existing laws to prevent illegal trafficking. These measures are aimed at getting ahead of the problem and preventing more dangerous firearms from reaching Canadian streets.
**Host:** Thank you for providing your insights, Dr. Carter. This is a complex issue with strong opinions on all sides.
We appreciate you sharing your perspective.
**Dr. Carter:** You’re welcome.