Canadian Overreach and Attacks on Firearms
The Canadian Liberal Government appears to be shifting focus away from its policy failures by continuing its attack on RCMP-vetted and licensed firearm owners rather than addressing crime and illegal firearms.
In January 2025, after proroguing Parliament, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched a leadership campaign to replace himself as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and, ultimately, as Prime Minister. With Parliament suspended, legislative scrutiny was effectively blocked, preventing elected representatives from debating critical policies, including new firearm bans. Now, on the final business day before the Liberal leadership vote, Minister Rachel Bendayan, Associate Minister of Public Safety, has announced the prohibition of 179 additional makes and models of firearms. Furthermore, the government has committed to:
- Conducting a comprehensive study of the firearms classification system
- Implementing regulatory changes to large-capacity magazines
- Enacting red and yellow flag laws from Bill C-21
A Policy Based on Emotion, Not Public Safety
As SCI stated in December 2024, efforts to ban modern sporting rifles have been based on cosmetics and appearance, with little regard for functionality, crime reduction, or public safety. The 2020 firearm ban was introduced following Canada’s worst mass shooting, yet it would not have prevented the tragedy. The perpetrator did not hold a firearms license, and law enforcement confirmed that his firearms were illegally obtained. None of the measures enacted in 2020 addressed the criminal disregard for the law that enabled the attack.
The latest round of prohibitions, implemented through Order in Council (OIC), continues the trend of circumventing democratic oversight. By bypassing Parliamentary debate, the government has prevented stakeholders—including licensed firearm owners, conservationists, and sport shooters—from providing testimony on the impact of these bans. Instead, it has exclusively engaged with anti-firearm advocacy groups, as demonstrated by today’s press conference.
SCI Stands with Law-Abiding Firearm Owners
Safari Club International (SCI) strongly opposes the Liberal government’s ongoing attack on law-abiding firearm owners and remains committed to defending the rights of licensed hunters and sport shooters across Canada.
We call on the Government of Canada to:
- Immediately rescind all firearm bans enacted through Order in Council
- Refocus efforts on addressing criminal activity and illegal firearms trafficking
- Stop unfairly targeting hunters and sport shooters
The government must prioritize evidence-based policies that enhance public safety without punishing responsible firearm owners who have been vetted, trained, and licensed under Canada’s rigorous system.
Join the Fight
SCI will continue advocating for hunters and sport shooters. We urge all Canadians who value conservation, responsible firearm ownership, and personal freedoms to stand with us.