The Yukon government’s opposition to the federal gun buyback program won’t hold up the program, according to Yukon MP Brendan Hanley.
Territorial Justice Minister Laura Lang expressed in a statement that the Yukon government won’t participate in this “counterproductive program,” but didn’t outline the government’s next steps.
The way the program works is that the RCMP will be in charge of collecting firearms under the program using federal funding that is separate from contract policing services to avoid any impacts on front-line policing, as noted in a recent statement to the News from Public Safety Canada.
“There is no impediment from YG’s position on this program proceeding as far as we know,” Hanley said.
“It’s almost like the Yukon government has expressed, you know, discontent or disagreement with the buyback program, but without clear steps outlined in what their intent is for follow-up.”
Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced the launch of the program to all eligible gun owners in Canada. The voluntary program is intended to take “dangerous, assault-style firearms” off the streets while providing compensation to law-abiding gun owners. The Government of Canada has banned more than 2,500 makes and models of guns since 2020.
A spokesperson for the federal government told the News last month that the Yukon contains an estimated “476 prohibited assault-style firearms.”
The Yukon has joined some other jurisdictions that have spoken out against the federal program, including Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Hanley only learned of Lang’s formal position around the time when her statement went out.
Hanley said some Yukoners have already started making declarations. He doesn’t understand Lang’s logic around remote Yukoners potentially being last in line for compensation, considering it’s a nation-wide program.
However, Hanley isn’t surprised by the new Yukon government’s position on this program since the Yukon Party took a stance on the matter in its 2025 territorial election platform and over the years heading into the election campaign.
“Look, I know that there are a lot of firearm owners out there who are not happy with the program. I’ve certainly heard from many of them,” Hanley said.
Hanley indicated a “small minority” of Yukon gun owners will be affected.
“We know that many, many Yukoners, probably more per capita than anywhere else in the country, own firearms for hunting, and the vast majority of those firearms are not going to be affected by this program,” he said.
“From everything I’ve heard, these are Yukoners who have been following the law up to now. They’ve been complying with the law. These have been restricted firearms. They’ve been using them either for collection or for target practice or shooting practice. I completely respect and acknowledge that this is a burden on those firearms owners. But nevertheless, this is the fact. This is the program.”
Declarations can be submitted to the online portal starting Jan. 19 until March 31 to be eligible for the collection process and compensation. Declarations can also be made on paper by mail, according to the program declaration web page.
“I think it’s important for Yukoners to know what their obligations are, and to review that list and ensure, one, that they have a chance to participate in the buyback, and know what laws they are obligated to comply with,” Hanley said.
This program isn’t a standalone effort, per Hanley. He said it is part of the bigger picture to address public safety and deplete the supply of assault-style firearms in the country, alongside more RCMP and international border resources and reinforcements, bail reform, crime prevention work and more.
As the House of Commons resumes, Hanley suggested watching for “big ticket items” when it comes to measures on Canada’s economic sovereignty, crime reduction and affordability in the coming weeks.
Contact the editor at editor@yukon-news.com