CSSA Alert: Winnipeg’s Misguided Attempt at Federal Buyback Partnership
The recent recommendation for Winnipeg to join the “federal assault-style firearm buyback program,” or as we call it, the Firearms Confiscation Compensation Scheme, demonstrates yet another concerning overreach in Canadian firearm policy. While city officials may view this as a straightforward administrative decision, the reality is far more complex.
This program faces significant implementation hurdles. Major organizations have already declined to participate due to employee safety concerns[1], and the program’s logistics remain poorly defined, despite being announced nearly five years ago.
Successful implementation is unlikely, particularly given that multiple provincial governments have already refused to participate[2].
The proposal ignores fundamental issues: this program targets law-abiding firearms owners who have safely owned and stored these firearms for years. These are verified, licenced individuals who undergo daily background checks – not the criminals responsible for gun violence in our cities.
Probability of Success: LOW
- program remains undefined after 5 years
- Major implementation partners have withdrawn
- Strong provincial opposition
- Significant legal challenges pending
- Widespread non-compliance expected from firearms community
The CSSA strongly advises the Winnipeg City Council to reject this proposal and focus instead on meaningful measures to combat actual criminal firearm use in our communities.
References:
[1]: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=963355592490465&id=100064481000822&set=a.618119043680790
[2]: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/gun-control-buyback-trudeau-polyremembers-1.7319182
References:
[1]: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=963355592490465&id=100064481000822&set=a.618119043680790
[2]: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/gun-control-buyback-trudeau-polyremembers-1.7319182
