Time is running out for gun owners looking to get paid for turning in their firearms to the federal government.
This month, more information about the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program came out, including the deadline to declare a weapon, which is March 31, 2026.
To qualify for the compensation program, weapons must be declared online.
After the declaration period ends, the government will evaluate if the submissions meet their criteria. They caution that declaring doesn’t guarantee compensation; it’s first-come, first-served.
The goal is to have mobile collection units across the province, staffed by the RCMP and hopefully supported by local police forces.
However, some police departments have opted not to take part.
Premier Doug Ford previously mentioned that the Ontario Provincial Police would not participate.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has yet to make a decision.
“The WRPS has engaged in discussion with Public Safety Canada in relation to the federal government’s Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program. No decision on participation has been finalized at this time,” said Cherri Greeno, WRSP director of corporate communications, in a statement to 570 News Radio.
If declarations are approved, compensation amounts range from $400 to $700.
Since May 2020, the federal government has prohibited 2,500 firearms in an effort to remove high-powered military-style assault weapons from circulation.
Critics of this program argue that it unfairly targets responsible gun owners.
The amnesty period for giving up, destroying or permanently disabling any of these banned weapons lasts until October 30, 2026.
Anyone still holding onto those weapons after that date could face criminal charges.
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