Ottawa, Canada:
Canada announced a ban on 324 models of assault weapons on Thursday, introducing an amnesty program to allow gun owners to turn them in to gun shops. The government plans to send these weapons to Ukraine to aid its defense against Russia.
This move coincides with the 35th anniversary of the tragic anti-feminist attack at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, where 14 women were killed, deeply affecting the nation’s consciousness. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized that the ban is a step toward preventing mass shootings in Canada, stating that the goal is to protect communities from gun violence.
Nathalie Provost, a survivor of the Ecole Polytechnique massacre, expressed mixed emotions, noting that while the decision brought tears, it also marked a significant move toward stronger gun control.
Although shootings remain less frequent in Canada than in the U.S., violent gun crimes have been increasing over the past decade. In response to a mass shooting in 2020, Canada had already banned 1,500 assault weapon models. With Thursday’s announcement, the total number of banned firearms has grown to more than 1,800 models.
The amnesty program, which runs until October 2025, allows gun owners to receive compensation for turning in their weapons. Defense Minister Bill Blair stated that these guns would be sent to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia.
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