OTTAWA - Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree recently indicated that municipal police may not have the resources to enforce the federal firearm buyback program. In an audio recording of a conversation with an unidentified gun owner, Anandasangaree reassured the individual not to worry about being arrested for not surrendering a banned firearm. The conversation took place on Sunday, and the minister mentioned that the next phase of the buyback program would be announced on Tuesday, along with a pilot project in Nova Scotia.

Since May 2020, the Canadian government has prohibited around 2,500 types of firearms classified as assault-style. The government has stated that the buyback program aims to fairly compensate owners for these banned firearms. An amnesty period is currently in effect until October 30, allowing owners of outlawed guns to turn them in or deactivate them without facing criminal charges.

In the recording, Anandasangaree downplayed concerns about potential arrests, saying, "I just don't think municipal police services have the resources to do this." He also noted that the budget for the buyback program is capped at $742 million.

Following the release of the recording, Anandasangaree issued a statement clarifying that the conversation was recorded without his knowledge and was later distributed by a gun rights group. He emphasized his commitment to engaging with Canadians who oppose the Liberal government's gun safety measures. "In trying to address this individual's frustrations, my comments were misguided," he said. He added that Canadians have been waiting for the implementation of this policy and he intends to fulfill that commitment.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney has pledged to revitalize the stalled buyback program as part of a broader strategy to combat crime and enhance border security. This initiative has faced criticism from legal gun owners. In the House of Commons, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre used Anandasangaree's comments to argue that the minister does not support the buyback initiative. "We don't have time for politics, so why is this minister caught on tape playing politics with guns?" Poilievre questioned.

In response, Anandasangaree reiterated that Canadians desire responsible gun control, challenging Poilievre's stance by asking, "Mr. Speaker, why are the Conservatives against keeping guns off our streets?" Poilievre countered by accusing the Liberal government of misallocating funds that could be used to support police and border security efforts, instead targeting licensed and law-abiding gun owners.