This 2025 prohibition includes semi-automatic firearms with sustained rapid-fire capability (tactical/military design with large capacity magazine) that are not suitable for hunting or sport shooting, and exceed safe civilian use. Building on the prohibitions announced in May 2020 and December 2024, this latest prohibition of 179 makes and models of assault-style firearms takes effect immediately. These firearms can no longer be legally sold in, or imported into Canada (except for firearms businesses that have appropriate privileges), and can only be transferred or transported under limited circumstances. These firearms must be securely stored in accordance with the requirements for their classification prior to this prohibition.
An Amnesty Order, which expires March 1, 2026, is in place to protect individuals and businesses who lawfully possessed the firearms prior to the ban from criminal liability while taking steps to come into compliance with the law. The Amnesty Order permits the use of these firearms to exercise a right recognized and affirmed under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 or for the purpose of sustenance hunting.
Over 19,000 non-restricted makes and models, equating to over 127,000 variations of firearms, remain available for hunting and sport shooting in Canada.
Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program
The Government of Canada intends to provide fair compensation for businesses and individual firearms owners affected by this prohibition and the December 2024 prohibition.
The firearms prohibited in May 2020 are included in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program. Businesses with eligible firearms and devices prohibited in May 2020 in their inventory should submit their claim for compensation before April 30, 2025.
