Halifax Regional Police has signed an agreement with the federal government to participate in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program.
The federal government has recently prohibited over 2,500 makes and models of Assault Style Firearms. These firearms were previously available in the Canadian market to lawful and licenced gun owners. Now that these firearms are prohibited, the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program allows gunowners to declare their prohibited firearm and receive payment for their disposal or deactivation.
Gunowners must declare their intent to participate in the compensation program by March 31, 2026. Following the declaration period, eligible participants will be able to schedule an appointment for the collection of their firearms by the Halifax Regional Police in the Spring. Compensation will be coordinated and administered by the federal government.
While participation in the program is voluntary, all gunowners who do not participate in the program must dispose of or permanently deactivate their prohibited firearms before October 30, 2026. Owners in possession of a prohibited firearm following this date could face the loss of their possession and acquisition licence, as well as criminal liability.
Halifax Regional Police’s participation in this program is funded by the federal government. All participating officers will be working on overtime shifts paid for by the federal government. This format ensures there will be no impact to front-line or investigative policing.
For more information on the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program, visit: Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program – Canada.ca