Federal firearm buyback program to open Monday, with March 31 deadline to register

By Canadian Press on January 17, 2026.

OTTAWA — Owners of banned firearms will have until the end of March to declare interest in a federal program offering compensation for turning in or permanently deactivating their guns.

The federal government says the declaration period will begin Monday and run through March 31.

Since May 2020, Ottawa has outlawed about 2,500 types of guns on the basis they belong only on the battlefield.

Public Safety Canada says firearm licence holders will be notified of the declaration period and how to take part in the compensation program.

The government says compensation will be determined primarily on a first come, first served basis.

In the spring, owners whose declarations are approved will be invited to finalize their claims and schedule appointments to turn in their guns to the RCMP, local police or a mobile collection unit.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 17, 2026.

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press