The Yukon flag waves outside the Yukon Legislature. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Whitehorse, YT – The Yukon Government says it will not participate in the federal firearms buyback program, joining several provinces pushing back against Ottawa’s plan to confiscate banned firearms.
Yukon Justice Minister Laura Lang argues the program unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address gun crime.
“Instead, limited policing resources should be devoted to improving police services and social supports for Yukoners and targeting criminals and organized crime,” said Lang in a statement.
The Yukon Government previously indicated in December that it would not participate in the program.
Ottawa has banned roughly 2,500 models of so-called “assault-style” firearms since 2020, arguing the weapons are designed for combat rather than hunting or sport. Under the federal buyback program, participation is voluntary, with owners required to declare banned firearms by March 31 in order to receive compensation.
In a statement, Lang calls on the federal government to scrap the buyback program and work with provinces and territories on alternatives that better reflect regional differences.
Yukon’s decision mirrors moves by Alberta and Saskatchewan, which have passed legislation refusing to enforce or participate in the buyback program. Manitoba has also indicated it will not enforce the initiative.
