Public Safety Minister Anandasangaree Recorded Suggesting Police Lack Resources to Enforce Federal Gun Buyback

Minister Anandasangaree's Recorded Remarks Raise Doubts About Gun Buyback Enforcement

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is facing scrutiny after a recording surfaced in which he suggests that municipal police lack the resources to effectively enforce the federal government's mandatory gun "buy-back" program. The recording, made without the minister's knowledge, has ignited controversy and fueled criticism from opposition parties and gun rights advocates.

Details of the Recorded Conversation

In the audio, reportedly recorded on a Sunday, Anandasangaree speaks with an unidentified gun owner. He indicates that the next phase of the federal firearm buyback program will be announced on Tuesday, alongside a pilot project in Nova Scotia. The Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights disseminated the recording, adding further fuel to the political fire.

Since May 2020, the federal government has outlawed approximately 2,500 types of firearms, classifying them as "assault-style firearms." The government maintains that the buyback program aims to compensate owners fairly for their now-banned firearms, and an amnesty period until October 30th protects owners from criminal liability while they surrender or deactivate their guns. Anandasangaree downplayed the likelihood of arrests for non-compliance, stating, "I just don't think municipal police services have the resources to do this." He also mentioned a budget cap of $742 million for the buyback program.

Minister's Response and Political Fallout

In a statement, Anandasangaree acknowledged the conversation, stating it was with "an individual I have known for many years, who recorded it without my knowledge before it was distributed by a gun lobbyist." He admitted his comments were "misguided," but affirmed his commitment to implementing the program. However, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre seized upon the recording, suggesting it demonstrated the minister's lack of faith in the buyback, and questioning the use of taxpayer dollars "to go after licensed, law-abiding, trained and tested hunters and sport shooters."

Context of the Gun Buyback Program

The controversial buyback program is part of a broader effort by the Liberal government to address gun violence. The program has faced resistance from various groups, including firearms owners, First Nations communities, and provincial leaders. Previous reports indicated the Ontario Provincial Police would not participate in the program. Anandasangaree suggested the reason Prime Minister Carney is sticking with the policy is to appease voters in Quebec. The Minister suggests the government would not reach that budgeted amount of 742 million.

Differing Perspectives and Future Implications

While the Liberal government insists the program is mandatory, Anandasangaree repeatedly called the program voluntary. Gun-control advocacy groups, such as PolySeSouvient, have expressed disappointment with the minister's comments, arguing that they undermine the goal of removing "assault-style firearms" from communities and calling for the swift implementation of phase two of the buyback program. Anandasangaree stated if he were to "redo" the policy, from the beginning, “I would have a very different approach.”