No banned firearms have been sent to Ukraine, despite government promise
The federal government’s promise to send banned guns collected through the buyback program to Ukraine has yet to be fulfilled. Despite the commitment made by the Trudeau government in December, no firearms have been donated to support Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion.
On the eve of the 35th anniversary of the Polytechnique massacre, hundreds of models were added to the list of banned firearms. Federal ministers announced the plan to donate a portion of the collected firearms to Ukraine, with the goal of aiding their war effort. However, concerns were raised about the intentions behind this plan, with some experts suggesting it was a strategic move to generate support for the government’s controversial gun policies.
Former defence minister Bill Blair, along with other ministers, made the initial announcement, but only one remains in cabinet. Despite the government’s efforts to identify prohibited firearms that could be donated to Ukraine, more than six months have passed without any guns being sent.
The buyback program for certain “assault-style” firearms has faced delays since they were banned in May 2020. The government began the first phase of the buyback in November 2024, compensating businesses for the value of the guns and destroying them, except for those designated for donation to Ukraine.
A separate buyback program for individuals who legally owned the prohibited firearms is set to begin later this year. Prime Minister Mark Carney, during his election campaign, promised to reinvigorate the implementation of an efficient gun-buyback program. This plan has garnered support from the gun control movement but has faced opposition from hunters and shooters who believe it unfairly targets lawful gun owners.
As firearm owners await to see if Carney’s gun policies differ from the Trudeau government, there is hope for a shift in approach that does not scapegoat licensed gun owners for public safety failures. The buyback program’s progress and the government’s commitment to supporting Ukraine remain ongoing issues that need to be addressed.
