The Hanover Police Service and the West Grey Police Service both say they will not be participating in federal government's buy back program for banned assault-style firearms.
The Government of Canada has banned more than 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms since May 2020. It says the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) was developed to provide an option for individuals to dispose of assault-style firearms before the amnesty period ends on October 30, 2026.
While the government says individuals risk criminal liability for the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm after that date, local police say by not participating, officers will not be directed or assigned to actively investigate and seek people with firearms that fall within the scope of this program.
In a statement, Hanover Police said "in making this decision, it was apparent gaps within the federal program exist, processes were unclear and lacked sufficient detail to locally operationalize the ASFCP."
West Grey Police said while it "does not take positions on federal legislation or policy, we remain committed to lawful, unbiased policing and to maintaining public confidence by applying our resources where they have the greatest impact on community safety."
Participation in the federal program for police services is voluntary.
However, Hanover Police say the Service will continue to properly dispose of unwanted firearms. Any Hanover residents wishing to relinquish ownership can call dispatch at 519-364-2411 to arrange the safe disposal of a firearm.
Those who wish to declare their firearms for possible compensation under the federal program can use the Public Safety Canada portal.
