Canada Extends Firearm Ban Amnesty Pending Supreme Court Appeal of Measure Already Upheld by Two Lower Courts

The Liberal government extended the amnesty period for its assault-style firearm ban so that the compliance deadline will now fall within 90 days of the Supreme Court's ruling on the policy's legality. The previous deadline had been set for October.

The government said in a Tuesday news release that the extension gives owners and businesses continued protection from criminal liability while the court hears the appeal.

The Supreme Court agreed in March to hear the challenge and is expected to rule next year. The ban, first announced in 2020, prohibits ownership of hundreds of makes and models, including the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14. Firearm owners and the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights challenged the measure, arguing that federal cabinet lacked authority under the Criminal Code to prohibit firearms deemed reasonable for hunting or sporting purposes.

The Federal Court dismissed the cases in 2023. Justice Catherine Kane ruled that then prime minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet had not exceeded their powers. The Federal Court of Appeal upheld that decision in 2025, with the chief justice stating that the inherent danger some firearms pose to public safety and the demand for measures to address gun violence are valid considerations in determining whether their use is reasonable for hunting and sporting purposes.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to carry out the ban and its compensation program. The declaration period for businesses in the buyback program ended last week, and the deadline for individuals ended in March. The government had expected declarations for 136,000 guns from individual owners but received about half that number.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said in the release, "While collection and compensation for individuals are underway, I would encourage firearm owners to book their appointments as soon as they get their notification. " The Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights welcomed the extension.

The group said in a statement that it suspects the government realized a Supreme Court defeat after collecting guns or prosecuting non-compliance would be untenable, and it looks forward to presenting its case.

PolySeSouvient called the extension disappointing. The group said highly lethal, prohibited weapons will remain in private hands for many more months and that legislation should not be suspended simply because it is challenged.