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Response to Conservative MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman’s order paper inquiry (Q-2728) revealed significant gaps in the government’s planning, including the total cost of the program, its long-term impact on crime, and the government's ability to manage its own firearms.

"At this time, the Government is not able to provide additional answers as the questions being posed touch upon issues of Program design that are still being developed."

Introduced in 2020, the firearms ban targeted so-called “assault-style firearms” as part of a broader initiative to reduce gun violence. However, gun violence continues to skyrocket and the government has yet to provide a detailed cost projection for the ban and buyback combined, despite planning for the program stretching into its fifth year.

Prominent voices from Canada's firearms community gather at the nation's largest competitive shooting sports show, arguing that current political regulations targeting legal gun owners are misguided and politically motivated.

FULL REPORT by @TamaraUgo: https://t.co/jymxo03cFn

— Rebel News Canada (@RebelNews_CA) September 9, 2024

The buyback will roll out in two phases, starting with businesses in 2024, with no confirmed date for individual gun owners.

Within the government's response, data revealed that 126 firearms have been stolen from government departments and agencies since 2016, with only 19 recovered. The statistic casts doubt on the government’s ability to effectively manage its own firearms while imposing stricter regulations on law-abiding citizens.

The government claims that the buyback program will reduce gun violence, particularly mass shootings involving "assault-style firearms." However, in 2022, the rate of firearm-related violent crime increased by nearly 9%, to 36.7 incidents per 100,000 population, the highest since records began in 2009.

Poilievre stands up for law-abiding firearms owners and mocks Trudeau's plan to use Canada Post to confiscate guns. He also rips the Liberals for hiring foreigners to hunt deer from helicopters using guns they want to ban.https://t.co/TTs0E4GGlP pic.twitter.com/pe1B9qFn7t

— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) July 8, 2024

Adding to the controversy, the government predicts that any reductions in gun violence may not be noticeable for another five to 10 years.

With rising crime rates and no clear cost estimates, many argue the program unfairly targets lawful gun owners without addressing criminal misuse of firearms.