OTTAWA — In a significant move concerning gun ownership in Canada, Public Safety Canada has reported that firearm owners submitted a total of 22,251 firearms to the federal government within the first week of a newly initiated compensation program. This initiative is aimed at providing financial reimbursement to owners of firearms that have been classified as banned under federal regulations.

The deadline for gun owners to express their intent to participate in this program is set for the end of March. The program offers monetary compensation for those who either surrender their banned firearms or opt for permanent deactivation. This measure follows a comprehensive prohibition enacted by the Canadian government in May 2020, which outlawed around 2,500 types of firearms, notably including the popular AR-15, under the premise that these weapons are primarily suited for military use rather than civilian ownership.

As stipulated, firearms and associated devices that have been rendered prohibited must be either dispensed of or deactivated by the conclusion of an amnesty period, which is defined to end on October 30. Federal officials have indicated that the government has allocated nearly $250 million for compensation purposes in relation to this program. This financial support is anticipated to cover the compensation needs for approximately 136,000 firearms, indicating a substantial engagement from the public concerning the imposed gun restrictions.

Data reveals a robust response in the initial week of the program, with more than 22,000 firearms being reported. This unusual influx suggests that many firearm owners are choosing to comply with federal mandates rather than face potential penalties after the amnesty period concludes. As the deadline approaches, the government is eager to monitor further participation rates and management of the program.

The government’s ban and the subsequent compensation program have sparked considerable conversation among firearm owners, advocacy groups, and policymakers alike. The move to legislate against certain types of firearms has been met with both support and opposition, reflecting the complex nature of gun ownership and regulation in Canada.

As of now, participants in the program are progressively taking steps to comply with the new laws, underscored by the evident trend shown in the reported numbers. Consequently, the Canadian government is poised to manage both the financial implications of the compensation package and the broader societal impacts of the firearm bans as this initiative unfolds.