Regional police still uncertain about participating in gun buyback program
Posted Jan 23, 2026 03:29:02 PM.
Last Updated Feb 4, 2026 04:39:38 PM.
Time is running out for gun owners hoping to receive compensation for surrendering their weapons to the federal government.
Earlier this month, more details about the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program were released, including the deadline to declare a weapon, March 31, 2026.
The weapons must be declared to be eligible for the compensation program, which can be done online.
Once the declaration period closes, the government will decide if the submissions meet the criteria. It warns, declaration doesn’t mean compensation, the program is first-come, first-served.
The plan is to have mobile collection units throughout the province, staffed by the RCMP, that would hopefully be assisted by local police.
But some police forces have decided not to participate.
Premier Doug Ford had previously said the Ontario Provincial Police would not be involved.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has not made a decision.
“The WRPS has engaged in discussion with Public Safety Canada in relation to the federal government’s Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program. No decision on participation has been finalized at this time,” said Cherri Greeno, WRSP director of corporate communications, in a statement to 570 NewsRadio.
WRPS Chief, Mark Crowell was a guest on The Mike Farwell Show and said either way, WRPS will be prioritize crime prevention over everything else.
“Whatever decision we make, we remain focused on illegal firearms, the impact of violent and repeat offenders, and the drivers of gun violence.”
He went on to say the biggest question is, what happens after the program deadline passes?
“We’re trying to evaluate what’s the impact of that, when those identified are in prohibited status and the amnesty period has ended, and then what does that look like across our province and across the county for moving forward.”
Since May 2020, the federal government has banned 2,500 firearms to get the assault-style firearms off the street.
Opponents to the program said it unfairly targets lawful gunowners.
The amnesty period for surrendering, destroying or permanently disabling any of the banned weapons is Oct. 30, 2026.
Anyone in possession of those weapons after that date could face criminal liability.
