Canada Expands Firearms Ban Amid Ongoing Gun Control Efforts
Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian government has recently expanded its list of prohibited firearms, adding 324 unique makes and models of assault-style weapons to the ban. This move is part of a comprehensive approach to strengthen gun control and tackle gun violence in the country.
The updated ban, announced on December 5, 2024, includes firearms that share technical characteristics with those prohibited in May 2020. The new regulations mean these firearms can no longer be legally possessed, sold, or imported into Canada. However, an amnesty order is in place until October 30, 2025, allowing current owners to comply with the new regulations without facing criminal liability.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized that the expanded ban is aimed at reducing gun violence and ensuring public safety. The government has also committed to providing fair compensation for businesses and owners affected by the prohibition through the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP).
The expansion has been met with mixed reactions. While gun-control advocates applaud the move, some firearm owners and sport shooting groups argue that the ban targets law-abiding citizens and will negatively impact hunting and sport shooting activities.
As the government continues to implement stricter gun control measures, the debate over the effectiveness and impact of these regulations is likely to persist.
