Canada Launches Federal Firearm Buyback Pilot Project in Cape Breton

Pilot Project Commences in Nova Scotia

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the launch of a federal firearm buyback program pilot project in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. This initiative marks a significant step in the Canadian government's efforts to remove assault-style firearms from communities across the country. The pilot is designed to test the program's operational elements in select areas of Cape Breton before its nationwide implementation.

The program targets approximately 2,500 types of guns that have been outlawed since May 2020, which the government classifies as 'assault-style firearms' unsuitable for hunting or sport shooting. Minister Anandasangaree stated, 'You cannot be serious about being tough on crime if you're not willing to be tough on guns. This program is part of that solution.'

Program Mechanics and Timeline

Eligible firearm owners in Cape Breton can access a web portal starting October 1 to file a declaration of interest in participating. Participants have the option to either deactivate their firearm using a licensed gunsmith or return it to the police. The pilot phase is expected to run for approximately six weeks and aims to collect a maximum of 200 assault-style firearms to assess the program's efficiency.

Following the pilot, a full national rollout of the program for individuals is planned for later in the fall, with the collection and compensation phase anticipated in 2026. The amnesty period, which protects owners of banned guns from criminal liability while they dispose of or deactivate their firearms, has been extended until October 2026.

Financial Commitment and Public Safety Goals

The federal government has allocated more than $700 million for the overall buyback effort. For the Cape Breton pilot project specifically, the federal government is providing $103,000 to the Cape Breton Regional Police Service to administer the program, covering costs for officers, administrative staff, and equipment. Prior to this individual buyback phase, a program for businesses collected over 12,000 prohibited firearms, with approximately $22 million in compensation paid out.

Cape Breton Police Chief Robert Walsh emphasized the public safety aspect, stating, 'We see this as giving them an opportunity to surrender what they are no longer allowed to possess. Ultimately, this is about public safety and security of our communities and putting the protections in place to prevent further victimization and tragedy from gun violence.'

Reactions and Criticisms

While the government frames the program as a crucial step for public safety, it has faced criticism. Firearm rights advocates and the federal Conservatives have described the program as a 'poor use of taxpayer dollars' that unfairly targets 'law-abiding gun owners.' Concerns have also been raised regarding the resources available to municipal police services for enforcing the ban.