Quebec Receives $60M for Firearm Buyback Program

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wed, Jan 1th, 2026 by Toronto Star
      Locale: CANADA

Montreal, Quebec - January 8th, 2026 - The federal government announced today a significant financial commitment of $60 million to Quebec, directly supporting the province's existing voluntary firearm buyback program. The funding, unveiled in a joint statement from federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Quebec Public Security Minister Francois Bonnardel, aims to accelerate the removal of prohibited firearms from circulation within the province, contributing to broader national efforts to curb gun violence.

The announcement builds upon a pre-existing Quebec program already focused on repurchasing prohibited weapons, effectively amplifying its reach and impact. This move aligns with the federal government's larger $200 million initiative unveiled last year, designed to empower provinces and territories willing to implement their own buyback schemes.

At the heart of this initiative lies the May 2020 ban on over 1,500 models of what the government classifies as "assault-style" weapons. This sweeping prohibition sparked considerable debate and legal challenges, but the government maintains it's a crucial step in enhancing public safety. The buyback program is the logistical mechanism for enacting this ban, offering financial compensation to owners who voluntarily surrender their newly prohibited firearms.

While the term "assault-style" remains a point of contention among gun owners and rights advocates - who often argue the designation is largely cosmetic and doesn't reflect functionality - the government defends the classification based on features like magazine capacity, barrel length, and overall design intended for rapid fire. The program isn't a blanket confiscation; instead, it relies on voluntary participation, incentivized by financial reimbursement.

"This financial contribution will allow Quebec to continue its efforts to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety," the joint statement emphasized. The ministers are scheduled to address the public in a news conference later today to provide further details on how the funds will be allocated and the program's anticipated timeline.

Broader Context: National Firearms Policy & Buyback Programs

The Quebec investment is just one piece of a complex puzzle regarding Canada's firearms regulations. The country already has comparatively stringent gun control laws compared to the United States, including licensing, registration, and background checks. However, recent years have seen a push for even tighter restrictions, fueled by high-profile incidents of gun violence, including the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting and the 2022 Nova Scotia mass shooting.

The $200 million federal fund aims to encourage provinces beyond Quebec to establish similar buyback programs, but uptake has been uneven. Some provinces, particularly those with strong hunting traditions and rural populations, have expressed reservations, citing concerns about impacting law-abiding gun owners. Alberta, for example, has been vocal in its opposition to the federal government's firearms policies and has indicated it will not participate.

Critics of the buyback program argue that it's ineffective, costly, and unfairly targets legal gun owners. They claim that criminals will not voluntarily surrender their weapons, and the program will do little to address the root causes of gun violence, such as gang activity and mental health issues. Furthermore, some estimate the actual cost of the buyback, including administration, appraisal, and destruction of firearms, could exceed the initial $200 million budget.

Supporters, however, contend that removing prohibited weapons from circulation, even voluntarily, reduces the potential for them to be used in crimes. They also point to the symbolic importance of the program, sending a clear message that the government is committed to addressing gun violence. The success of the Quebec program, with its established infrastructure and dedicated funding, is seen as a potential model for other provinces to follow.

The upcoming news conference is expected to provide more granular detail regarding the compensation rates offered to gun owners in Quebec, the types of firearms covered by the program, and the procedures for voluntary surrender. It will also likely address public concerns about the program's impact on hunters and sport shooters who may legally own similar - but not prohibited - firearms.