The Provincial Government today announced that Newfoundland and Labrador will not participate in the federal firearms compensation program.
While Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to working collaboratively with federal, provincial and territorial partners to reduce gun violence and strengthen community safety, the Provincial Government has determined that the federal program does not reflect the realities of the province or align with its public safety priorities.
Government has raised concerns about the program’s practicality, the strain it could place on policing resources, and whether it would deliver meaningful improvements in public safety for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The Provincial Government believes police resources should be directed toward tackling violent crime, drug-related activity, and repeat offenders — not toward measures that risk targeting law-abiding residents.
On January 17, 2026, the Government of Canada announced the national rollout of the compensation program, including an amnesty period until October 30, 2026 for affected firearms owners to dispose of or deactivate prohibited firearms. Several provinces and territories, including Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, have also indicated they will not participate in the program.
Quotes
“As Premier, I call on the Federal Government to further engage provinces and territories on this issue, and to re-allocate the resources allotted for this program toward reducing crime, drug-related violence, and repeat offenders. Decisions are being made at a federal level that are isolated from legitimate civilian use of firearms. The Federal Government should focus on criminals, not law-abiding hunters and our way of life.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“We understand that there are many legal and legitimate uses for firearms. Our government respects law abiding firearm owners. I am not convinced that there is evidence that this program would enhance public safety.”
Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
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