OTTAWA — Police departments across Canada are expressing uncertainty about their involvement in the federal firearms buyback program. Many officers report a lack of detailed information from government officials as the Liberal government prepares to expand a pilot compensation process from Nova Scotia to the rest of the country this fall. This initiative targets gun owners who possess one of over 2,500 firearm makes and models banned since 2020, which officials estimate includes around 179,600 guns.

Mark Campbell, president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, is working to arrange a meeting between municipal police leaders and Public Safety Canada. He stated, "The current hesitation for a lot of services is not understanding the program." One major concern is the number of registered firearms in each jurisdiction, which affects collection efforts.

In a survey of more than 60 municipal police services, many indicated they would not participate in the program, particularly in Ontario. Andrew Harvie, deputy chief of Brockville police, said, "We do not have the staffing, storage capacity, or resources required to participate." He noted that the department would continue to accept guns turned over to police as standard practice.

Durham Regional Police, one of the largest forces in the Greater Toronto Area, is seeking more information. Spokesman Const. Nick Gluckstein said, "(Durham Regional Police Service) has not been informed of the program details, nor have we been afforded an opportunity to ask questions."

Hamilton's police chief mentioned that the last meeting with former Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino occurred in 2023, and no further discussions have taken place. He emphasized that the program's scale requires careful planning and coordination, stating, "At this time, no structured framework or direction has been provided to Hamilton police."

Other police departments, including those in North Bay and Peterborough, echoed similar sentiments, citing insufficient information to determine their participation. Barrie police confirmed they have no plans to engage in the program, while Brantford police are still evaluating it. Toronto police stated they would review the details once they are fully announced, focusing on apprehending criminals using illegal firearms.

Campbell, who also serves as the chief of Strathroy-Caradoc police, highlighted the need for clarity on enforcement expectations. He noted that evidence suggests guns used in crimes are often smuggled across the border, stating, "The impact of long guns that are owned by community members who lawfully own those guns aren’t part of the overall priority issues when it comes to crime involving the use of firearms."

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the province's largest force, has also expressed concerns about the program. Oleksandr Shvets, a spokesman for Ontario’s Solicitor General, stated, "The federal government’s gun buyback program has done nothing to address the root causes of gun violence in our communities."

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has opposed enforcing the program, while police in Medicine Hat are reviewing it. Edmonton police are committed to collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to support the initiative without straining their resources.

In Regina, police await direction from Premier Scott Moe’s government. Winnipeg police confirmed their participation, stating the city approved an agreement for Public Safety Canada to cover associated costs. Police in Abbotsford, B.C., support the program's goals but seek further consultation to ensure responsible implementation.

Federal officials maintain that negotiations with police are ongoing and that the program will not disrupt daily policing operations. In Nova Scotia, where the pilot program began, at least three police services have indicated they will not participate for now. Steve Chisholm, chief of the New Glasgow police, noted, "At this time, the federal government has not directed police agencies, including the New Glasgow Regional Police, to enforce the firearms buyback program."

Chisholm referred to comments made by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, who expressed doubts about local police's ability to enforce the policy. Anandasangaree later clarified that he believes "law-abiding citizens" will comply with the law, and police will enforce the Criminal Code.

Officials indicated that gun owners can surrender their weapons for compensation, deactivate them, or turn them over to police. However, failing to comply by the end of the extended amnesty period, now set for October 2026, could lead to criminal penalties or license revocation.