Federal firearms buyback opens: what owners need to know and do
The federal gun buyback opens Jan. 19. Owners of banned or unregistered firearms must declare by Mar. 31 and either surrender or permanently disable their guns by Oct. 30, 2026.
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By Torontoer Staff
The federal firearms buyback program opens Monday, Jan. 19. Owners of firearms classified as prohibited or restricted under the federal ban have until Mar. 31 to declare interest in compensation, and until Oct. 30, 2026 to surrender or permanently deactivate those guns.
The program offers a flat compensation rate, expected to range from $400 to $700 once the collection period begins. Payment is issued after items are turned in, with payouts arriving about 45 days after surrender under the declaration process.
What the program covers
Since May 2020 the federal government has prohibited more than 2,500 makes and models of so-called assault-style firearms. The buyback applies to firearms listed as prohibited or otherwise classified under that ban. Owners can either surrender a listed firearm or permanently deactivate it and receive compensation.
Important dates and timelines
- Jan. 19: Declaration process opens to register interest in compensation.
- Mar. 31: Deadline to submit a declaration indicating intent to participate in the buyback.
- Oct. 30, 2026: Last day to surrender or permanently disable banned firearms, when the amnesty period ends.
- About 45 days after surrender: Expected timing for compensation to be issued.
How to declare and get paid
To participate, owners must complete the federal declaration process. The declaration records ownership and expresses intent to either surrender or deactivate the firearm for compensation. After declarations are submitted, collection points and the schedule for turning in firearms will be announced as part of the program rollout.
Once a firearm is turned in and processed, owners should expect compensation to arrive roughly 45 days later. The program will specify how payments are delivered and what documentation is required at turn-in.
Surrender versus permanent deactivation
Participants can choose to surrender a firearm for destruction or to permanently deactivate it. The program uses flat compensation amounts, reported to range from $400 to $700 per firearm, depending on classification and condition. Details on how deactivation must be carried out will be provided by the government, including whether the work must be completed by a licensed gunsmith or at an approved facility.
Assault-style firearms do not belong in our communities. These types of firearms were designed as weapons of war. Prohibiting and removing them from our communities is an important part of our government’s commitment to tackling gun violence and keeping Canadians safe.
Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
Practical steps for owners
- Check the official program materials to confirm whether your firearm is on the prohibited list.
- Complete the federal declaration before Mar. 31 if you intend to claim compensation.
- Do not attempt to transport prohibited firearms in a way that violates local or federal law; follow the program guidance for safe transfer.
- Keep firearms stored securely while you await collection or deactivation, using a locked container or safe storage.
- Contact a licensed gunsmith or the program hotline if you plan to permanently deactivate a firearm and need guidance on approved methods.
What owners should watch for next
The government will release more operational details after the declaration window opens. Expect information on collection locations, scheduled turn-in events, documentation requirements, and the exact compensation schedule. Municipal police forces, licensed firearms businesses, and federal public safety channels will be primary sources for updates.
For anyone uncertain about how the program applies to their firearm, consult the official federal resources or speak with a licensed firearms professional before March 31 to preserve eligibility for compensation.
The buyback creates a defined timeline and clear steps for owners of banned firearms. Declaring intent this winter starts the clock toward compensation or mandated deactivation, and the October 2026 deadline ends the transition period.
firearmsgun buybackpublic safetyfederal government
