In a significant shift in Canada's gun policy, the government announced an expansion of its ban on assault-style firearms. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc declared the addition of 324 types to the prohibited list.

This new ban could also see these weapons shipped from Canada to Ukraine to support that country's defense against Russian aggression, as Breitbart reports.

On Thursday, Dominic LeBlanc revealed the updated list of banned firearms, described as semi-automatic with capabilities for sustained rapid fire.

These guns, now deemed unnecessary for civilian use, align with efforts to enhance public safety following historical tragedies.

Canadian Officials Outline Gun Ban Details, Timeline

Defence Minister Bill Blair highlighted the government's plan to potentially confiscate and send these firearms to Ukraine, emphasizing the suitability of many of these banned weapons for combat situations.

This proposal aligns with ongoing international support efforts for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.

Blair detailed collaborative initiatives with Canadian companies to facilitate the transfer of firearms to Ukraine. These efforts are scheduled to start in October of next year, following the full classification of newly banned weapons.

Government Cites Historical Tragedies to Justify Gun Ban

Referencing the 1989 Ecole Polytechnique massacre, LeBlanc stressed the importance of robust gun control measures. He argued that restricting access to such firearms could prevent future mass shooting tragedies in Canada.

Gun owners are mandated to surrender these now-illegal firearms by the end of an amnesty period on Oct. 30, 2025. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce gun violence and honor the victims of past shootings.

Opposition and Industry Leaders Slam New Gun Control Measures

The expansion of the gun ban faced immediate backlash from various groups and political figures.

Wes Winkel from the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association criticized the ban for potentially damaging the industry and questioned the effectiveness of such measures, given the rarity of crimes committed with these firearms.

Conservative MP Raquel Dancho accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of politicizing gun control to distract from his government's failures in managing crime rates.

She claimed that violent and gun-related crimes have surged under Trudeau's administration.

Provincial Governments Resist Federal Gun Policies

Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery expressed disappointment with the federal government's approach, criticizing its focus on law-abiding gun owners rather than tackling criminal firearm use.

Alberta, along with Manitoba and Saskatchewan, has opted out of the federal mandatory gun buyback program.

Tracey Wilson of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights argued that the Liberal Party's tactics divide Canadians and neglect urgent public demands for action on violent crime, further polarizing the gun control debate.

Political Challenges Ahead for Further Gun Control

LeBlanc hinted at potential future bans, like that of the SKS rifle, popular among First Nations and Inuit hunters. He acknowledged the political sensitivities surrounding such moves, suggesting that navigating these would be complex.

The government's stance on gun control continues to stir significant public and political debate, reflecting deep divisions over how best to ensure public safety while respecting the rights of gun owners.