Ottawa is under fire from a national gun control organization after the group called out the city for what it describes as "poor participation" in Canada's federal firearm buyback program — a policy that has been controversial since its inception.
What Is the Firearm Buyback Program?
The federal government's assault-style firearm buyback program was introduced as part of the Liberals' broader gun control agenda, following the 2020 ban on over 1,500 models of assault-style weapons. The buyback was designed to compensate owners who surrendered their now-prohibited firearms, with the goal of getting these weapons off Canadian streets and out of private hands.
However, the program has faced repeated delays, logistical hurdles, and criticism from both sides of the gun debate — opponents calling it an overreach, and advocates saying it hasn't gone nearly far enough.
Ottawa Called Out
A Canadian gun control advocacy group has singled out Ottawa for its lackluster engagement with the buyback initiative, accusing the city of failing to do its part in facilitating the program locally. The group argues that municipalities like Ottawa play a critical role in making the buyback accessible — and that without local cooperation, the federal effort is effectively undermined.
While details on exactly what participation looks like at the municipal level can vary, critics point to issues like limited drop-off infrastructure, lack of public outreach, and minimal coordination between city officials and federal administrators.
The Bigger Picture
Ottawa's situation isn't unique — many Canadian cities have been slow to engage with the buyback program, and participation rates nationally have reportedly been lower than hoped. Gun rights advocates, meanwhile, have long argued the buyback targets legal, responsible gun owners rather than addressing criminal use of firearms.
Still, for a city that serves as the nation's capital and is home to Parliament Hill, critics argue Ottawa should be setting an example — not dragging its feet.
What Happens Next?
With the federal buyback program still in progress and political pressure mounting, Ottawa may face increased scrutiny to step up its role. Whether city officials respond to the criticism with concrete action remains to be seen.
For Ottawa residents who own affected firearms, the federal program does provide compensation for surrendered weapons — but accessing that program has reportedly been a frustrating experience for many, with limited local options.
As Canada continues to wrestle with gun policy at both the federal and municipal level, Ottawa's participation — or lack thereof — in the buyback program is shaping up to be a flashpoint in a much larger national conversation.
Source: EverythingGP via Google News Ottawa
