SMITHS FALLS — A federal compensation program is now open for owners of certain firearms that are already prohibited under Canadian law, with key deadlines later this year.
According to a Jan. 17 news release from Public Safety Canada, the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program allows eligible firearms owners to surrender or permanently deactivate prohibited firearms during a federal amnesty period, with the option of receiving compensation.
The declaration period opened Jan. 19 and runs until March 31. The federal amnesty expires Oct. 30. After that date, possession of a prohibited firearm without legal exemption may result in criminal charges or loss of a firearms licence.
While participation in the compensation program is voluntary, Public Safety Canada has stated that compliance with the law is not.
What the gun amnesty program covers
Public Safety Canada says the program applies to firearms that were prohibited beginning in May 2020, with additional makes and models added in December 2024 and March 2025. More than 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms are now prohibited.
The federal government has said the program does not affect most firearms used for hunting or sport shooting.
Firearms owners must submit a declaration through the federal portal or by mail before March 31. Eligible participants may then schedule a collection appointment.
Public Safety Canada says firearms may be collected by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, another participating police service, or a mobile collection unit.
What this means in Smiths Falls
Participation by police services is voluntary. The Smiths Falls Police Service has confirmed it will not administer the compensation program locally or offer collection appointments.
In a statement posted to its website, the service said it is not participating due to uncertainty around how many prohibited firearms may exist locally, particularly unregistered firearms, as well as a lack of clarity around how the federal program would operate.
In comments provided to Hometown News, Chief Jodi Empey said police leaders across Ontario have raised similar concerns with the federal government.
Empey said police services are seeking clearer direction on how the program would function in practice, including procedures for initial contact with firearms owners, transportation, destruction and tracing of firearms.
She said there is also no clear accounting of how many prohibited firearms may be involved in each jurisdiction, particularly unregistered firearms.
Limited local resources were another factor, Empey said.
“We’re already stretched thin addressing serious challenges in our communities with violent repeat offenders, and growing social issues such as addictions and mental health,” she said. “The overall readiness of this program has yet to be determined by the government.”
What Smiths Falls police will still do
Empey emphasized that opting out of the federal compensation program does not change existing police practices around firearms safety.
“We have and will continue to allow residents in Smiths Falls to turn in any guns they do not want,” she said, noting this often occurs when a firearm owner dies. “Those firearms are destroyed.”
Residents are asked to call the police station (613-283-0357) in advance to arrange a drop-off.
“This has nothing to do with the federal gun buy-back program,” Empey said.
What types of firearms could put someone at risk
Federal firearms laws apply regardless of when or how a firearm was acquired.
According to Public Safety Canada, the ban generally does not affect traditional hunting rifles or shotguns, but it does apply to certain firearms that were legally purchased in the past.
Firearms commonly affected include:
- AR-15 and AR-15-style rifles;
- Military-style semi-automatic rifles;
- Certain tactical or semi-automatic shotguns;
- Firearms that resemble military platforms; and,
- Lower receivers for prohibited firearms.
In many cases, owners may not realize a firearm has become prohibited, particularly if it was purchased years ago or inherited.
How people can unknowingly end up in possession
Situations that can lead to unintentional illegal possession include:
- Inheriting firearms after a family member dies;
- Owning a firearm purchased legally before the 2020 ban;
- Unclear ownership or registration records;
- Firearms stored and forgotten; and,
- Lack of awareness about changes to firearms law.
After the amnesty period ends Oct. 30, possession of a prohibited firearm without legal exemption may result in criminal charges or loss of a firearms licence.
What residents should do
Smiths Falls police are directing residents interested in the compensation program to follow federal instructions. Declarations, eligibility confirmation and compensation are handled through Public Safety Canada.
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