In May 2020, the federal government announced a ban on 1,500 types of what it called “assault-style” firearms. As part of this ban, it has promised to provide “fair compensation” to gun owners whose firearms it confiscates.
The ban’s aim is to keep Canadians safe. “Enough is enough,” said then-minister of public safety Bill Blair. “Banning these firearms will save Canadian lives.” But will this scheme actually make Canadians safer? And what will it cost? The government of New Zealand recently completed its own gun ban and buyback. It provides a good case study of the effects such a program can have.
