Manitoba Gun Owners Declare Less Than 2,500 Firearms in Federal Program by March 31, 2026

Manitoba saw less than 2,500 firearms declared in the federal buyback program, far below the national total of over 67,000. This is a small number compared to the 136,000 firearms the government expected.
By Newsroom | Law Enforcement, Manitoba |

Fewer than 2,500 firearms have been declared by owners in Manitoba as part of the federal government's 'assault-style' firearms compensation program. This figure represents a fraction of the over 2,500 makes and models currently targeted by the ban. Nationally, over 67,000 firearms were declared across Canada.

The program, which saw its individual declaration period conclude on March 31, 2026, has drawn criticism and resistance from various provincial entities. Manitoba's Premier, Wab Kinew, announced in January that the provincial government would not participate, citing the program's perceived inefficiency. This stance places Manitoba among other provinces that have expressed reservations or outright opposition to the federal initiative.

DILUTED PARTICIPATION RAISES QUESTIONS

The low uptake in Manitoba falls significantly short of the government's budgetary projections, which anticipated participation for 136,000 firearms. Across Canada, the declared number is also considerably lower than initial expectations. Public Safety Canada reported that over 67,000 firearms were declared nationally.

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Firearm owners who did not declare their weapons by the March 31 deadline still have until October 30, 2026, to safely dispose of or permanently deactivate them. Failure to comply risks 'criminal liability' for possessing a prohibited firearm, according to government information.

CONFUSION AND DELAYS PLAGUE INITIATIVE

Delays in the program's rollout have been identified as a contributing factor to 'diminished' support and confusion among Canadians, according to federal minister Gary Anandasangaree. He suggested that these postponements may have caused individuals to question the program's viability and reliability.

"The pilot numbers were not as robust as we had expected," Anandasangaree stated, expressing belief that Canadians would eventually participate.

The program's implementation has been marked by a voluntary participation framework, though compliance with the law regarding prohibited firearms is mandatory. Discussions regarding potential exemptions to allow owners to receive compensation are ongoing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many firearms were declared in Manitoba for the federal buyback program by March 31, 2026?
Fewer than 2,500 firearms were declared by owners in Manitoba for the federal 'assault-style' firearms compensation program. This is much lower than the government's expectation of 136,000 firearms nationally.
Q: Why did Manitoba's Premier Wab Kinew say the province would not join the federal gun program?
Manitoba's Premier Wab Kinew announced in January that the province would not join the program because he thought it was not working well. This means Manitoba is one of the provinces not supporting the federal plan.
Q: What happens if firearm owners in Manitoba did not declare their weapons by March 31, 2026?
Firearm owners who missed the March 31 deadline still have until October 30, 2026, to get rid of their weapons safely or make them not work anymore. If they don't, they could face legal trouble for having a banned firearm.
Q: What did federal minister Gary Anandasangaree say about the low number of declared firearms?
Minister Gary Anandasangaree said that delays in starting the program made people confused and less sure it would work. He believes people will still join the program later.