Highlights

  • The Canadian government has banned 324 models of assault-style firearms.
  • These firearms are deemed unsuitable for hunting or sports and pose public safety risks.
  • An Amnesty Order protects current owners from penalties until October 2025.
  • A compensation program for affected owners is planned.
  • The regulations aim to reduce firearm availability and prevent illegal market diversion.
  • The decision follows public and parliamentary engagement, balancing safety and legal rights.
  • The focus is on preventing gun violence and mass shootings in Canada.
  • Compliance depends on voluntary actions by firearm owners.

Canada Bans Assault-Style Firearms to Enhance Public Safety

The Canadian government has amended regulations to prohibit 324 makes and models of assault-style firearms, citing their unsuitability for hunting or sporting purposes and the significant risk they pose to public safety. These firearms, primarily designed for military use, have semi-automatic action with rapid-fire capability. An accompanying Amnesty Order protects current owners from criminal liability for unlawful possession until October 2025, allowing time for compliance through deactivation, surrender, or export of the firearms. The government plans to implement a compensation program for affected owners. The amendments aim to reduce the availability of these firearms and prevent their diversion to illegal markets. The decision follows extensive public and parliamentary engagement, with a focus on balancing public safety and the rights of legal firearm owners, including Indigenous communities. The regulations are part of broader efforts to address gun violence in Canada, with a particular emphasis on preventing mass shootings. Compliance will rely on voluntary actions by firearm owners, and the government will continue to engage with stakeholders to assess the regulations’ impacts. [Source]

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