Federal government to help fund firearm buyback efforts in Quebec

By Canadian Press on January 7, 2026.

OTTAWA — This federal government says it will provide up to $12.4 million to cover costs incurred by Quebec to co-ordinate a buyback of banned firearms in the province.

Since May 2020, Ottawa has outlawed approximately 2,500 types of guns on the basis they belong on the battlefield, not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters.

The federal government says a national buyback program will provide owners fair compensation for their outlawed firearms.

Ottawa has budgeted more than $700 million for the buyback effort.

Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière said in a statement the province supports the federal program, calling it a step toward safer communities.

Public Safety Canada says the buyback program will be opened to individual firearms owners across the country in the coming weeks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2026.

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press