Halifax Police to assist with federal gun buyback program

Halifax Regional Police say it has signed an agreement with the federal government to take part in the national Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program, commonly referred to as the gun buyback.

Under the program, more than 2,500 makes and models of firearms that were previously legal to own in Canada have been prohibited. Lawful, licensed owners can declare their prohibited firearms and receive compensation for their disposal or permanent deactivation.

Police say gun owners must declare their intent to participate by March 31, 2026. After that declaration period ends, eligible participants will be able to book appointments in the spring for Halifax police to collect the firearms. Compensation will be handled by the federal government, not the police.

While participation in the program is described as voluntary, police note that owners who do not take part must dispose of or permanently deactivate their prohibited firearms by October 30, 2026. Anyone found in possession of a prohibited firearm after that date could face the loss of their licence and potential criminal charges.

Halifax Regional Police says its involvement will not affect day-to-day policing. The service says all officers working on the program will do so on federally funded overtime shifts, ensuring no impact on front-line or investigative operations.

In a statement, Chief Don MacLean said the goal of police participation is to provide a safe and responsible option for gun owners to comply with the new federal law before the deadline. He acknowledged there are differing views on the program, but said police have a role in supporting compliance with legislation now in place.

MacLean also linked his support for participation to broader public safety concerns, including intimate partner violence and domestic abuse, noting that firearms have been involved in some of the province’s most serious incidents.

He stressed that the program is not intended to criminalize lawful gun owners and said police will continue working with governments and community groups on wider efforts to address gun violence and domestic violence.

More information on the compensation program is available through the federal government’s Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program website.