22 Prohibited Firearms Turned In: Pilot Program

Brian Teepell/USPA 24 News - A pilot program tested in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, yields fewer than thirty confiscated firearms. A considerable amount of money spent just to seize roughly 22 firearms.

Although the official results of the federal government's banned gun buyback pilot program are not yet available, the chair of Cape Breton Regional Municipality's Police Commission indicates that it has received some uptake.

The topic was not on Monday's commission agenda, but after the meeting, Coun. Glenn Paruch said he's heard police have bought back up to 22 outlawed firearms. Paruch went on to say; "It tells me that there are some people out there that wanted to pass in guns. What it says for the potential project itself, I honestly can't comment on that until I talk to the chief and get the actual numbers on it."

Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Robert Walsh participated in a federal announcement that took place earlier in the fall, where a pilot program was introduced to provide financial compensation to owners of up to 2,500 banned makes and models of firearms classified as assault-style.

The project launched on October 1st and was anticipated to last six weeks, with the results being employed to refine the program before its national implementation.

Despite being available for comment at the start of the pilot, Walsh said Monday he has agreed with Public Safety Canada to not comment on the results. "I'm not at liberty to discuss the project, because it's the federal government's project, so everything in relation to that, you'll have to ask them."

A comment from Public Safety Canada was unavailable on Monday. Federal officials and Cape Breton Regional Police were confident they would be able to collect up to the estimated 200 banned firearms in parts of CBRM, specifically in the communities of Sydney, North Sydney and Glace Bay.

However, over 100 individuals gathered outside police headquarters at the program's commencement, expressing concerns that the project unfairly targets law-abiding citizens. Officials at the rally advised owners not to comply.

In the interim, the federal government has prolonged the amnesty period for owners of the banned firearms until October 2026 to enable its buyback plan to be executed effectively.

Paruch mentioned that he is willing to extend the benefit of the doubt to the government. "The gun buyback program is an undertaking that the federal government considers essential, even if its value is not immediately apparent to the general public, much like other rules that govern our actions.

Meanwhile, Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Robert Walsh has announced his sudden retirement today. The Chief has been at the center of controversy recently due to his decision to participate in the Liberal gun grab without consulting his officers. The story is developing... More to come.