Canada offers $1,337 for AR-15s in gun buyback program

Gun buyback programs have been all the rage with U.S. Democratic politicians this past year, despite the National Bureau of Economic Research reporting they don’t actually work. The programs do nothing to address the concern that most crimes are committed with illegal guns. Instead, they remove firearms from the hands of law-abiding citizens.

The buyback trend has gone international, with Canada proposing a new program in Ottawa. The Canadian government is willing to pay citizens $1,337 for AR-15s – a significant difference from Sacramento’s $50 gas gift card offer.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in May that he would soon launch buybacks across the country. He stated, “We recognize that the vast majority of gun owners in this country are responsible and follow all necessary laws. We are, however, facing a level of gun violence in our communities that is unacceptable.”

According to the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics, firearm-related offenses account for 2.8% of reported crimes in 2020.

Two years ago, Canada banned most "assault-style" firearms. Gun owners in possession of those models will be required to either participate in the buyback, have the gun rendered inoperable, or lawfully dispose of it by other means. In the meantime, an amnesty is in place to protect those owners.

Public Safety Canada has already released an initial list of prices that reflect the values of the guns before May 2020.

Now through Aug. 28, the Ottawa government will be consulting with owners and industry leaders about the proposed compensation amounts for the 1,500 models on the buyback list.

A separate pricing list is being developed for businesses participating in the program.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino stated, “Today’s proposed price list represents another step towards getting these dangerous firearms out of Canadian communities while ensuring current owners are compensated fairly.”