In 2020, Canada introduced a gun buyback program aimed at removing military-style firearms from circulation. This effort followed New Zealand’s rapid and successful buyback program, initiated in 2019 after the Christchurch mosque shootings.
However, Canada’s attempt has faced significant delays and opposition, with no guns yet collected four years later. The contrast between the two countries’ approaches reveals why New Zealand succeeded, whereas Canada has struggled.
Canada’s Gun Buyback Launch in 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada’s gun buyback program in 2020. It aimed to remove military-style firearms following a mass shooting in Nova Scotia. The government banned over 1,500 types of firearms but struggled to implement the collection process. The program has faced delays and opposition from gun owners and retailers.
New Zealand’s Swift Response to the Christchurch Attack
New Zealand’s gun buyback program was launched quickly after the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019. Within the same year, the country had collected 56,000 firearms under the supervision of the national police. The swift action came in response to the public outcry and political push for gun control. The program was completed in less than a year.
Building Trust with Gun Owners in New Zealand
New Zealand’s success was largely due to the trust built between the government and gun owners. The New Zealand Police worked closely with firearm owners to ensure cooperation. Mobile units and participating retailers made it easy for individuals to surrender their guns. This collaborative approach was key to the program’s efficiency.
Canada’s Strained Relationship with Gun Owners
In Canada, the buyback program was met with resistance from gun owners and the firearms industry. Many gun owners saw the program as a “confiscation” rather than a voluntary buyback. This mistrust has hindered the government’s ability to move forward. The lack of cooperation from firearms retailers has further stalled the process.
New Zealand’s Compensation System
New Zealand ensured that gun owners were fairly compensated for their surrendered firearms. A clear and transparent pricing system allowed individuals to feel satisfied with the exchange. Some gun owners were initially upset but left the process feeling that the compensation was fair. This helped ease tensions and encouraged more participation.
Canada’s Unclear Compensation Plan
In Canada, the government has not yet announced how much money gun owners will receive for their firearms. This lack of transparency has further fueled skepticism and resistance. A price list is expected to be released in the fall of 2024, but individual buybacks won’t start until 2025. This delay has left many gun owners frustrated and uncertain.
New Zealand’s Mobile Collection Units
New Zealand set up mobile collection units to make the buyback process more accessible. These units allowed firearm owners to surrender their weapons at convenient locations. In addition, 43 firearms retailers participated in the program by offering compensation. This ease of access was another factor in the program’s success.
Canada’s Collection Plan Delays
Canada’s initial plan to involve Canada Post in collecting firearms was rejected due to safety concerns. The federal government is now working with the RCMP and police forces in Ontario and Quebec to implement the program. However, no concrete collection system has been put in place yet. This lack of a clear plan has contributed to the program’s stagnation.
Mass Shootings as Catalysts for Gun Control
In both New Zealand and Canada, mass shootings were the catalysts for gun control measures. New Zealand’s program followed the Christchurch attack, while Canada’s efforts came after the Portapique shooting. However, while New Zealand acted quickly, Canada’s response has been much slower. This difference in urgency has played a significant role in the programs’ outcomes.
Canada’s Long History of Gun Control Debate
Calls for banning military-style weapons in Canada date back to the 1989 Polytechnique massacre. Despite repeated efforts and petitions, progress has been slow. The Portapique shooting in 2020 reignited the debate, leading to the current buyback program. However, Canada’s slow pace has allowed opposition to grow.
New Zealand’s Police-Led Buyback
In New Zealand, the national police took a leading role in managing the gun buyback program. This centralized authority ensured that the program was well-organized and executed efficiently. The police worked to build trust with gun owners throughout the process. Their leadership was key to the program’s success.
Canada’s Struggle with Retailer Involvement
Unlike New Zealand, firearms retailers in Canada have refused to participate in the buyback program. Their lack of involvement has complicated efforts to collect banned firearms from individuals. This contrasts with New Zealand’s collaborative approach, where retailers play an active role. The absence of retailer support has been a major obstacle in Canada’s program.
Opposition from the Canadian Firearms Industry
The Canadian firearms industry has been vocal in its opposition to the buyback program. Industry leaders have criticized the government for its lack of planning and communication. They argue that the program will fail without significant changes. This opposition has further delayed the implementation of the buyback.
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