Heidi Rathjen has been advocating for a ban on assault-style rifles since 1989, following the horrific shooting at Montreal's École Polytechnique where 14 women lost their lives.
In response to another mass shooting in 2020, the Canadian government introduced a ban on approximately 2,500 models of 'assault-style' weapons.
However, the rollout of a buy-back program aimed at securing these now-banned firearms from owners has encountered significant pushback. Distrust prevalent among legal gun owners, coupled with refusals from key provinces to participate, suggests that the initiative may not achieve its safety goals.
“Without a comprehensive ban on assault weapons, there is no ban… and the money will be wasted,” warned Rathjen, now a representative for the gun control advocacy group PolySeSouvient.
Conflicting opinions extend even to Canada's own Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, who was recorded criticizing the buy-back program's rationale, highlighting the disconnect between the initiative and the reality of illegal gun crimes predominant in Canada.
Unlike Australia and New Zealand, where similar measures had notable success post-tragedies, Canada's fragmented approach appears ineffective. Experts suggest that linking buy-back efforts more closely to broader interventions could improve outcomes.
Despite the hurdles, the government maintains its commitment to the buy-back initiative. Over 67,000 firearms have been voluntarily submitted for recall, yet skepticism lingers about whether the scheme can effectively stem gun violence or if it serves more as a bureaucratic gesture.
As provinces voice dissent and communities divide on the controversial policy, Canada’s path toward comprehensive gun control remains fraught with unresolved challenges.
