Trudeau Announces Ban on Assault-Style Firearms

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that effective immediately Canada will ban 1,500 types of 'assault-style' firearms.

The move comes not even two weeks after the deadliest mass shooting in modern Canadian History in Nova Scotia.

These military-grade "assault-style" weapons will no longer be sold, imported, or used anywhere in the country. These models represent nine categories of firearms and two types identified by characteristics. Some of their components are also prohibited.

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said. "Enough is enough. Banning these firearms will save Canadian lives."

There will be a transition period of two years to protect owners of newly prohibited firearms from criminal liability while they take steps to comply with these new rules. This two-year amnesty order under the Criminal Code is in effect until April 30, 2022.

There are exceptions under the amnesty for Indigenous peoples exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights to hunt, and for those who hunt or trap to sustain themselves or their families.

These exceptions will allow for the continued use of newly prohibited firearms in limited circumstances until a suitable replacement can be found. By the end of the amnesty period, all firearms owners must comply with the ban.

The Government of Canada intends to implement a buy-back program as soon as possible to safely remove these firearms and to introduce legislation as early as possible, working with Parliament and through public consultation.