Surprising Shift: Canada’s Banned Weapons Might Find a New Home in Ukraine

Canada’s new assault-style firearms ban sparks controversy and potential international implications.

At a Glance

  • Canada bans 324 more assault-style firearms, expanding previous prohibitions
  • Government proposes sending banned weapons to Ukraine for defense against Russia
  • Critics argue the ban is ineffective for public safety and politically motivated
  • Gun owners must surrender banned firearms by October 30, 2025
  • Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan resist federal gun buyback program

Canada Expands Firearm Prohibitions

The Canadian government has announced a significant expansion of its prohibited firearms list, adding 324 assault-style weapons to the ban.

That sounds just like something Canada would do.

This move is part of a broader strategy to tighten gun control measures and reduce gun-related violence in the country. The latest prohibition follows a previous ban in May 2020, which initially targeted 1,500 firearm makes and models and has since grown to include over 2,000.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized the rationale behind the ban, stating, “Firearms designed for the battlefield plainly do not belong in our communities. Too often, these types of weapons have been used to commit some of the worst atrocities Canada has ever witnessed.” The government’s stance is clear: these weapons pose a significant threat to public safety and have no place in civilian hands.

Potential Transfer to Ukraine

In an unexpected twist, the Canadian government has proposed sending some of the newly banned firearms to Ukraine to aid in their defense against Russian aggression. This suggestion has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the implications of such a transfer.

“Every bit of assistance we can offer to the Ukrainians is one step toward their victory,” Defense Minister Bill Blair said.

The Department of National Defense is set to collaborate with Canadian companies to facilitate the transfer of these weapons to Ukraine. This move serves a dual purpose: supporting an ally in need while simultaneously reducing the number of prohibited firearms within Canada’s borders.

The expanded ban and proposed transfer to Ukraine have not been without criticism. Canadian gun rights groups argue that the measures are ineffective for public safety and harmful to the firearms industry. Conservative MP Raquel Dancho accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of scapegoating lawful gun owners to cover up failures in his crime policies.

Adding to the controversy, the governments of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have openly resisted the federal gun buyback program associated with the ban. Critics argue that the Liberal Party’s policies are politically motivated rather than evidence-based approaches to enhancing public safety.

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