Liberals push to ban assault-style firearms amid growing debate

In Canada, on December 5, 2024, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the addition of 324 unique makes and models to the existing ban on 'assault-style firearms.' This decision follows an earlier 2020 ban on 1,500 such firearms aimed at combating gun violence and mass shootings. The Liberal government emphasized their commitment to gun control, stating their actions were necessary to enhance community safety and prevent tragedies experienced in the past. The new prohibitions took immediate effect, requiring owners to comply by securing their firearms or facing legal repercussions. An amnesty period has been set until October 30, 2025, allowing current owners time to register or surrender their weapons without penalties. Furthermore, the government is exploring the possibility of donating some of these prohibited firearms to Ukraine, following consultations confirming that certain weapons would be useful in their ongoing conflict with Russia. However, this plan has been met with skepticism from various experts who question the effectiveness of the firearms for supporting Ukraine’s military needs. Critics argue that the decision appears more like a political maneuver rather than a carefully considered policy. In response to the announcement, gun rights groups have expressed dissatisfaction, viewing the expanded ban as ineffective for addressing public safety concerns and merely aimed at appeasing urban voters. LeBlanc's remarks at the press conference underlined the government's position that firearms intended for battlefield use do not belong in Canadian communities. He highlighted the ongoing efforts since 2015 to bolster gun control measures significantly, positioning this latest ban as the next logical step in that trajectory. The timing of this announcement coincided intentionally with the anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre, further fueling the government's narrative as they push for tighter regulations on firearm ownership in the country. Opposition parties and some public safety advocates continue to question the relevance and efficacy of such measures while highlighting their concerns about real crime solutions and gun trafficking issues, advocating for a focus on illegal firearms rather than targeting lawful gun owners.