By Canadian Press

Police forces too thinly stretched to administer firearm buyback program, chiefs say

Oct 27, 2022 | 12:18 PM

OTTAWA — Canadian police chiefs are urging the federal government not to rely on resource-strapped police forces to carry out a planned gun buyback.

Two years ago, the government announced a ban on over 1,500 models and variants of what it considers assault-style firearms, such as the AR-15.

READ MORE: ‘Unintended consequences’: MHPS chief on national handgun freeze

The Liberals plan a mandatory buyback program to offer compensation to affected owners and businesses.

Regina Police Chief Evan Bray, appearing at a House of Commons committee on behalf of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, says the buyback will be an administrative process involving a massive amount of work.

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Bray told MPs that police are already overstretched and lack the resources to administer the buyback program.

He suggested that another organization, or courier services, be enlisted to help people turn in their firearms.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2022.

The Canadian Press