Firearms Buyback Program
Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program
Features
Program for individuals
The nation-wide declaration period for individuals is open.
Program for businesses
The program will re-open for eligible businesses in 2026.
About the program
As part of its long-standing commitment to tackling gun violence in Canadian communities, the Government of Canada has banned more than 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms since May 2020.
The Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) was developed to provide an option for eligible businesses and individuals who own these prohibited firearms to comply with the law. Those who choose to participate in the program may receive compensation subject to availability of program funds.
While participating in the program is voluntary, compliance with the law is not. Businesses and individual firearm owners must safely dispose of or permanently deactivate their assault-style firearms before the amnesty period ends on October 30, 2026, or risk criminal liability for the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm.
Related information
Lessons learned from the pilot
See a summary of the lessons learned from the program pilot for individuals.
Amnesty Orders
Learn about Amnesty Order (2020), Amnesty Order (2024) and Amnesty Order (2025) accompanying the prohibitions on assault-style firearms that protect licensed businesses and individual owners from criminal liability until October 30, 2026.
Amendments to Criminal Code Regulations
See amendments to regulations that prohibit assault-style firearms in Canada.
Amendments to Shipping Regulations
See amendments to regulations that enable businesses to ship firearms by post for destruction.
Firearms Act
Learn about laws and regulations governing requirements for licensing, transport, storage, display, handling and more.
RCMP firearms page
Get information on licensing, registration, safety, importing/exporting, buying/selling firearms and more.