1 hour ago
Swift News
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree suggested recently that an acquaintance shouldn't worry about being arrested for refusing to turn in a banned firearm because municipal police have few resources to devote to such matters.
In an audio recording of a conversation Sunday with the unidentified gun owner, Anandasangaree says the latest phase of a federal firearm buyback program will be announced Tuesday, along with a pilot project in Nova Scotia.
The Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights circulated the recording, which was made without the minister's knowledge.
Since May 2020, the federal government has outlawed approximately 2,500 types of guns it calls assault-style firearms.
The government says the buyback program will compensate owners fairly for their banned firearms.
The government has declared an amnesty period until Oct. 30 to protect owners of outlawed guns from criminal liability while they turn in or deactivate their firearms.
On the recording, Anandasangaree plays down the suggestion his acquaintance would be taken away in handcuffs for failing to comply.
"I just don't think municipal police services have the resources to do this," the minister says.
Anandasangaree also says in the recording the budget for the buyback program is being capped at $742 million.
In a statement issued by his office Monday, Anandasangaree said the conversation took place with "an individual I have known for many years, who recorded it without my knowledge before it was distributed by a gun lobbyist."
Anandasangaree said he makes a point of speaking with Canadians who do not support the Liberal government's approach to gun safety, and to listen to their concerns.
"In trying to address this individual's frustrations, my comments were misguided," he said.
