Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree faced scrutiny on Tuesday after a recording surfaced in which he criticized the government's long-gun buyback program. During a press conference, he attempted to clarify his remarks, stating he was merely joking when he suggested he would refund a gun-owning constituent's expenses related to the buyback and even offer to bail him out of jail if he refused to surrender his firearms.

Anandasangaree also expressed doubts about the capacity of municipal police services to implement the buyback effectively. He remarked that the government was burdened with the program by the previous administration, indicating a lack of enthusiasm for its execution. Despite the backlash, he did not retract his comments regarding the perceived preferential treatment of Quebec in gun control discussions. He acknowledged the significance of the issue for many Quebec voters, citing past tragedies such as the École Polytechnique and Dawson College shootings as pivotal events shaping public sentiment.

The buyback program has now been rebranded as "voluntary," a shift from its previous mandatory designation. Anandasangaree stated, "Our expectation is that law-abiding citizens will abide by the law," referring to the new voluntary nature of the program. This change has raised questions about its effectiveness, as critics argue that it does not represent a substantial alteration in approach.

Chief Robert J. Walsh of the Cape Breton Regional Police Service, which is conducting a pilot project for the buyback, emphasized the importance of providing gun owners an opportunity to surrender firearms they can no longer possess. He stated, "This can be an effective process for removing dangerous firearms from our community."

The press conference was marked by confusion and mixed messages regarding the program's intent and implementation. Anandasangaree's comments about the program's viability and necessity have led to speculation about the government's commitment to gun control measures. Observers noted that the Liberal Party has historically been cautious about alienating Quebec voters, which may influence their decision-making on this issue.

As the government navigates this controversy, the future of the long-gun buyback program remains uncertain, with many questioning its practicality and the political implications of its continuation.