Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Canada. 2020 ‘National Action Plan.’ National Report of Canada on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA); Section 1, p. 3. New York NY: Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations. 1 January
Relevant contents
National targets
1.4. Has your country set national targets relating to the implementation of the PoA and ITI? YES
1.4.1. If so, describe
On May 1, 2020, Canada prohibited over 1,500 models and variants of assault-style firearms and other firearms not suitable for civilian use. The newly prohibited firearms cannot be legally used, sold, or imported. The Government has signalled its intention to establish a buy-back program to provide compensation to affected owners. An amnesty is effect until April 30, 2022, to protect owners of newly prohibited firearms from criminal liability while they take steps to comply with the new law.
The prohibition is a first step in a series of initiatives to target firearm-related crime in Canada. The Government will intends to introduce measures to strengthen gun control, including:
- establishing a red-flag regime to better protect public safety;
- enhancing firearms storage requirements to deter theft;
-increasing police tracing capacity;
- working with partners from other levels of government to give municipalities the ability to further restrict handguns;
- combatting gun-related violence and gang activities; and
- strengthening border controls to reduce firearms smuggling across borders.
Target year:
2024
[PoA = Plan of Action]
[ITI = International Tracing Instrument]