In March 2026, the Supreme Court of Canada agreed to hear an appeal challenging the May 2020 prohibition of assault-style firearms. In light of this, the Amnesty Orders for the 2020, 2024, and 2025 prohibitions have been extended and set to expire 90 days following the date the Supreme Court of Canada renders its decision, which is expected next year.
The Government of Canada is confident in its decision to prohibit assault-style firearms because of the risk they pose to public safety. By extending the amnesty period, the Government is providing certainty to owners and businesses that they will continue to be protected from criminal liability while the Supreme Court hears the appeal and renders its decision.
The extension of the amnesty period does not impact the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP). It remains the only opportunity for firearm owners to get compensation. Individual owners and businesses who chose not to participate in the ASFCP must dispose of their prohibited firearms and comply with the law before the end of the amnesty or risk criminal charges and prosecution.
The amendments to the Amnesty Orders will also permit the shipping of assault-style firearms for disposal as part of the ASFCP for individuals in exceptional situations, such as travel distances making an in-person collection appointment challenging. A representative of the ASFCP will advise individual participants if they are eligible to use this shipping option when they are booking their appointment for collection.
