Friday, March 27, 2026

Ottawa presses ahead on firearms prohibitions: The federal government continues implementing measures under Bill C-21 and related regulations stemming from the May 2020 Order in Council that prohibited more than 1,500 models and variants, including the AR-15 family, Ruger Mini-14, M14, Beretta CX4 Storm, CZ Scorpion EVO 3, SIG Sauer MCX/MPX, and certain AR-10–style rifles, along with many models with similar characteristics. Ottawa says the goal is to reduce the risk of mass shootings and organized crime.

Buyback rollout and amnesty: The federal buyback program tied to these prohibitions is moving forward, with compensation schedules and collection logistics ramping up. A federal amnesty covers owners of newly prohibited firearms while the program is implemented.Saskatchewan opposes federal control: The Saskatchewan government is advancing its Saskatchewan Firearms Act measures to resist aspects of federal enforcement. The province is working on additional storage and appraisal options and has outlined a process to issue provincial exemptions intended to protect owners during the transition, framing Ottawa’s approach as federal overreach.

Provincial storage plan: Saskatchewan says it plans to allow licensed owners to store federally prohibited firearms with approved conditions inside the province rather than turn them over immediately to federal contractors, arguing this preserves property and safety while court challenges proceed.

Legal front heats up: Saskatchewan has signaled support for national legal challenges, and the Supreme Court of Canada is expected to hear arguments testing the scope of federal authority over the 2020 prohibitions and related regulations. The outcome could clarify how far Ottawa can go without new legislation and what role provinces can play.

Enforcement and policing roles: The province has directed its Chief Firearms Officer and policing partners to prioritize provincial safety directives and due process. Ottawa maintains that criminal law and classification decisions remain federal jurisdiction, and that police services are expected to apply federal prohibitions.

What this means for owners: Saskatchewan advises owners not to destroy or transfer affected firearms until they have clear instructions under both federal and provincial rules. Ottawa continues to warn that prohibited firearms cannot be used, sold, or transported except under specific authorization.

What’s next: Watch for Supreme Court scheduling and early rulings that may set the legal tone; expect more detail from Ottawa on buyback timelines and compensation rates; and look for Saskatchewan to finalize its storage and appraisal framework and any provincial exemptions while negotiations and court actions continue.