Maybe it’s like “You’ve got a PAL &/or RPAL, so open up ‘cuz we’re on your doorstep, and if you don’t comply immediately, consider it/them cancelled effective immediately” sorta thing?
The Canadian government intends to transition from a ‘voluntary "buyback" to mandatory confiscation of prohibited firearms by, at minimum, utilizing an amnesty order ending October 30, 2026. Following this date, possession of the firearms will be illegal, making owners subject to criminal prosecution and potential RCMP-led collection, regardless of the voluntary program's low participation rate.
“Voluntary” participation for compensation ends as of 10/30/2026 also. After this date, continued possession becomes a criminal offense, subjecting owners to potential charges. Individuals who do not comply could face the revocation of their PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) and criminal liability for unauthorized possession of a now prohibited firearm, or possession of a non-prohibited firearm without a licence if it’s revoked.
Due to refusal from several municipal and provincial police forces to participate, the federal government plans to use RCMP-staffed Mobile Collection Units (MCU’s) to collect firearms. Owners can still avoid prosecution by using authorized businesses to permanently deactivate firearms or by surrendering them (voluntarily, of course) to local police without compensation.
The government has indicated that while participating in the compensation program is voluntary, complying with the ban by the end of the amnesty period in 210 days from now is not. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has stated that compliance is "not optional" and that the government is prepared to move to a "different approach" to ensure compliance.
Reports indicate the government has considered door-to-door collection methods in areas where compliance is low, as the government continues to treat the program as a mandatory removal of specific firearms. While some provinces and police organizations have expressed opposition, federal officials have affirmed their commitment to completing the confiscation.
Individuals who did not declare their prohibited firearms during the declaration period (which ended a few days ago) must dispose of or permanently deactivate them before the amnesty period ends on October 30, 2026. Owners in possession of a prohibited firearm or device following this date will be non-compliant with legislation and could face the loss of their Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), as well as criminal liability.
The nation-wide declaration period of the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) for individuals ended on March 31, 2026. To date, more than 67,000 assault-style firearms have been declared by 37,869 firearm owners across Canada.
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