Saskatchewan offers exemption to federal gun buyback
REGINA — Saskatchewan is exempting firearm owners from the most recent federal gun ban and buyback program.
Premier Scott Moe told delegates to the recent Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities annual convention that the program targets law-abiding gun owners and the province has opposed it at every step.
“Each and every province save for one is not supportive of this gun confiscation,” he said.
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The government passed amendments to the provincial firearms legislation that allow gun owners to apply for exemption certificates for certain weapons Ottawa has deemed illegal.
Why it Matters: Most provinces argue gun buyback programs target the wrong people, taking them from those who follow the laws rather than criminals. In particular, opponents say farmers, hunters and sport shooters are unfairly impacted.
The Saskatchewan amendments allow people to store their own prohibited guns until Ottawa can provide fair compensation through the buy-back program. Moe suggested the money would run out before anyone could get to Saskatchewan to do that.
“We have taken a very significant, and I think firm stand, when it comes to standing up for law-abiding gun owners in this province,” the premier told the rural councillors.
“There’s been successive Liberal governments that on more than one occasions have tried to institute some type of a gun grab.”
He said those who own the prohibited guns will be in contravention of federal law when it passes, which is why the province is authorizing them to store them until they can be paid full compensation. The certificates will be available to those who hold valid licences.
The province is using a section of the Criminal Code that provides exemptions for police, military personnel and those under the authority of federal or provincial governments.
Ottawa has set a deadline of March 31 for gun owners to declare the prohibited models to be eligible for funding.
The opposition NDP supported the government’s move.
Saskatchewan intends to open an online portal for appraisals for firearms, ammunition and accessories affected by the federal legislation. That’s where gun owners can request their exemptions.
Source: producer.com