The Government of Saskatchewan moved Tuesday to amend The Saskatchewan Firearms Act, pushing back against the federal firearms buyback program and aiming to guarantee compensation for affected gun owners.
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The amendments respond to Ottawa’s decision to proceed with its national buyback, which targets more than 2,500 firearm models reclassified as prohibited since 2020. The province says the changes will ensure owners receive fair market value for any seized firearms.
Under the amendments, anyone seizing a firearm under federal law must pay the owner fair market value as set by the Saskatchewan Firearms Commissioner. The province will deem a firearm “seized” if it falls under federal prohibitions and the owner doesn’t receive compensation within 12 months of the ban taking effect.
Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said the changes hold Ottawa accountable and reinforce the province’s emphasis on targeting illegal, not legal, firearms.
“These amendments promote public safety and protect the heritage of law-abiding firearms owners by requiring the federal government to provide fair compensation,” McLeod said. “Instead of targeting responsible owners, we believe giving law enforcement the tools to combat illegal firearms is a more effective approach.”
Ottawa has capped buyback funding at $742 million and plans to offer compensation on a first-come, first-served basis, leaving no guarantees once the cap is reached. Saskatchewan officials argue that approach puts residents at risk of losing property without compensation.
To counter that risk, the province plans to launch an online portal offering appraisals for firearms, ammunition and accessories affected by federal legislation. Firearms owners will be able to use those appraisals in court to pursue compensation.
Saskatchewan Firearms Office Commissioner Robert Freberg said the federal reclassification unfairly targets responsible gun owners.
“Individuals should not be criminalized for holding a firearms licence and owning legally obtained property,” Freberg said. “The real threats come from smuggled and illegally modified firearms used in gang and drug activity — not from Saskatchewan residents who follow the law.”
The amendments also give the SFO authority to collect and store firearms for owners who voluntarily surrender them while seeking compensation, reducing the risk of criminal charges during the transition.
Other proposed changes include allowing medical professionals to report patients whose medical conditions could affect their ability to safely use or possess firearms, and giving the Chief Firearms Officer power to inspect shooting ranges, review safety practices and designate safety instructors.
The province says it will continue to oppose the federal buyback program and push Ottawa to invest in efforts to combat firearms smuggling and illegal gun activity, including work through the new Saskatchewan Ballistics Laboratory.
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