𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲:

Federal Government Announces Rollout of Individual ASFCP Confiscations

The federal government has confirmed that the individual phase of the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) is proceeding, consistent with earlier commitments to begin implementation in January. The registration and sign-up period is scheduled to run from January 19 to March 31, with submissions accepted through an online portal or by mail.

Firearm owners are being encouraged to register firearms prohibited by Order in Council while simultaneously being advised that compensation is not guaranteed and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.  This has raised questions among stakeholders regarding the intent, fairness, and transparency of the process.

Following the close of the registration period, owners who do not participate will be required to ensure they remain compliant with the Criminal Code by the end of the amnesty period. The only other option is permanent deactivation of prohibited firearms. Such deactivation must be carried out by a gunsmith registered with the ASFCP — a category that currently includes only a limited number of businesses across Canada.

The Public Safety Minister emphasized that provincial jurisdiction does not alter the application of federal criminal law, stating that the Criminal Code applies uniformly nationwide. Following the expiry of the amnesty period on October 31, 2026, possession of prohibited firearms will constitute a criminal offence.

Current federal efforts appear focused on identifying privately owned firearms subject to prohibition, effectively serving as a fact-finding phase to determine ownership. This approach differs significantly in Quebec, where a provincial long-gun registry remains in place and prohibited firearms are, in theory, already recorded. In the rest of Canada, the federal government lacks comprehensive ownership data and is relying on voluntary owner disclosure prior to confiscation.

The National Firearms Association (NFA) has consistently stated that registration of prohibited firearms represents a necessary step leading directly to confiscation, reinforcing concerns among firearm owners regarding trust and transparency.

During the briefing, the Public Safety Minister also confirmed that no decision has been made regarding the status of the SKS rifle. Any determination will follow a consultation process involving First Nations and the firearms advisory committee, which is expected to be expanded. I was advised in a meeting with Public Safety that this process would take more than a year to complete. The Minister cautioned against using ASFCP compensation funds to purchase SKS rifles, as they may be banned.

Overall, the Minister’s statements can reasonably be interpreted as threatening in tone. He emphasized registration deadlines, asserted that compliance is mandatory in every province, noted that the RCMP are empowered nationwide, and claimed that all Canadians support the program. He further warned of the loss of a firearms licence for non-compliance, criminal liability for continued possession, and repeatedly invoked Canadians’ respect for the rule of law — framing obedience as the only acceptable outcome.

As the lobbyist for the National Firearms Association, I will continue to bring the concerns of firearm owners directly to Members of Parliament. The NFA remains committed to supporting firearm owners and to demanding the clarity, transparency, and answers that Canadians deserve.