Ottawa’s $742 million gun grab program is facing mounting criticism after new figures show fewer than half of targeted firearms were declared before the deadline, raising questions about compliance and enforcement.Blacklock's Reporter says Public Safety Minister "Gun Grab" Gary Anandasangaree confirmed that just 67,649 of an estimated 175,000 prohibited firearms were registered ahead of the cutoff, representing about 39% participation. Only 37,869 owners signed up for compensation, with officials declining to estimate how many refused to take part.The program targets so-called “assault-style” firearms and had offered compensation to owners who declared their weapons before the deadline. That option has now expired, leaving non-compliant owners facing a requirement to either dispose of or permanently deactivate their firearms before an amnesty period ends October 30.Despite the low response, Anandasangaree told MPs the program will continue, with law enforcement expected to oversee compliance in the coming months. After the amnesty deadline, individuals still in possession of prohibited firearms could face arrest and prosecution..During a recent Commons public safety committee hearing, Conservative MP Dane Lloyd pressed the minister on whether police would be sent door-to-door to collect firearms. Anandasangaree maintained the program itself is voluntary, but emphasized that obeying the law is not optional.The weak participation aligns with earlier internal research by the Privy Council Office, which warned the initiative risked failure due to low trust among gun owners. The report suggested the federal government was unlikely to be seen as a credible messenger by those affected, increasing the likelihood of non-compliance.
