Canada’s strict gun laws include a ban on assault-style firearms and a freeze on handgun sales

Canada’s sweeping gun control measures continue to reshape firearms ownership in the country, with the government taking increasingly decisive steps to reduce gun violence through a series of comprehensive bans and restrictions.

In May 2020, following a devastating mass shooting in Nova Scotia that left 22 people dead, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an immediate ban on more than 1,500 models of assault-style firearms. “Canadians need more than thoughts and prayers,” Trudeau declared as he outlawed weapons including the AR-15 and other firearms frequently used in American mass shootings, including the specific weapons used by the Nova Scotia gunman.

Since that initial action, the Canadian government has expanded the prohibition to include over 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms. The country’s approach to gun control stands in stark contrast to its southern neighbor, where debates over similar restrictions have repeatedly stalled despite recurring mass shootings.

Implementation of these bans has moved beyond simple prohibition into active removal of these weapons from circulation. Between November 2024 and April 2025, a government compensation program targeted at businesses resulted in the collection and destruction of more than 12,000 firearms. A similar buyback initiative for individual gun owners launched last month, offering financial compensation for those who voluntarily surrender banned weapons by March 31.

For those who choose not to participate in the voluntary program, the Canadian government has established a clear deadline. Gun owners must either dispose of or permanently deactivate their prohibited firearms before the amnesty period expires on October 30, after which possession could result in legal consequences.

Canada’s gun control strategy extends beyond assault weapons. In October 2022, the government implemented a national freeze on handgun sales and purchases, effectively capping the number of such weapons in civilian hands. The restriction includes limited exemptions for those previously authorized to carry handguns and participants in Olympic or Paralympic shooting sports.

These measures represent part of what Canadian officials describe as a multifaceted approach to reducing gun violence. The strategy includes enhanced background checks that now cover an individual’s entire lifetime, increased investment in both domestic law enforcement and border security operations to prevent illegal weapons trafficking, and community-based initiatives.

The government has also provided financial support for public awareness campaigns about “Red Flag” laws, which give courts the authority to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to pose a danger to themselves or others. These provisions allow concerned citizens to intervene before potentially dangerous situations escalate to violence.

Canada’s approach to firearms regulation reflects a fundamentally different relationship with guns compared to the United States. While American gun control efforts frequently encounter constitutional challenges and political resistance, Canadian policies have generally found broader public support, particularly following high-profile incidents of gun violence.

The effectiveness of these measures remains under scrutiny. Supporters point to Canada’s significantly lower rates of gun violence compared to the United States, while critics argue that these restrictions disproportionately impact law-abiding gun owners rather than criminals. Some rural Canadians have expressed concerns that the regulations fail to recognize legitimate uses for firearms in hunting and wildlife protection.

As the October deadline approaches for the disposal of banned weapons, Canadian authorities face the challenge of enforcing compliance while continuing to develop policies that balance public safety concerns with the interests of responsible gun owners. The outcome of this effort will likely influence gun control debates not only within Canada but potentially across other nations grappling with similar issues.