On this episode of In Focus with Melanie Risdon, we discuss the controversial topic of gun ownership in Canada and how several provinces, including Alberta, are pushing back against the Liberal government's firearm buyback program. .Alberta's Chief Firearms Officer (CFO), Teri Bryant, brings more than 60 years of knowledge and experience in the gun world to the Western Standard to discuss the growing controversy of gun ownership for law-abiding citizens of Canada and what many refer to as a gun grab by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the liberal government. .Tune in to the Western Standard Tuesday, October 4 @ 7 p.m. MDT for the full interview. .At a September 26 press conference, Alberta Justice Minister and Solicitor General Tyler Shandro said the province was directing the RCMP to dismiss direct orders from the federal government to enforce its semi-automatic weapon buyback program. .READ MORE: UPDATED: Alberta government demands RCMP ignore Trudeau’s gun grab. “This is politically motivated confiscation,” said Shandro, adding, “It will not make Alberta a safer place.”.Shandro said he received a letter from Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino requesting support from the Alberta government for the firearms confiscation program. He replied to Mendicino saying Alberta is not legally obligated and will not offer assistance. .During that press conference, Bryant said she was thankful to hear the Alberta government would "oppose Ottawa's misguided measures" and "support law-abiding firearms owners." .Following that press conference, the Government of Saskatchewan announced on September 28 it would not participate in the buyback program or commit any resources to it. .READ MORE: Saskatchewan will not fund federal gun buyback program, joining Alberta.Manitoba Minister of Justice and Attorney General Kelvin Goertzen also said the province will not take part in any federal buyback gun program..READ MORE: Manitoba joins Alberta and Sask in revolting against Trudeau’s gun grab.In May 2020, Trudeau announced Canada would ban 1,500 makes and models of assault-style rifles right away..READ MORE: Thousands of gun owners could soon be criminals as Liberals ban 1,500 firearms in sweeping decree.The ban came into effect immediately and was ordered by the cabinet without any bill or debate in parliament..Guns like the M16, M4, AR-10 and AR-15 rifles were prohibited..It's estimated there are now 125,000 of these guns — purchased legally — which are now illegal. Licensed gun owners will no longer be allowed to sell, transport, import, or use the guns..The following February, Trudeau announced plans for the introduction of a "buyback" bill..READ MORE: Trudeau set to introduce “buy-back” bill for confiscated firearms.It was said the program would pay some compensation to owners of firearms that were made illegal, but some experts said it will cost taxpayers billions of dollars and turn into a boondoggle.
