The federal government is set to launch a gun buyback program in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, marking the beginning of a contentious initiative that may face significant opposition in the Prairie provinces. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe are preparing to resist federal efforts to confiscate firearms from law-abiding citizens in their regions.

The conflict has been brewing since former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau proposed restrictions and prohibitions on firearms. In August 2021, Alberta appointed a chief firearms officer tasked with assuming certain federal powers related to gun control. In late 2023, the United Conservative Party (UCP) passed Bill 8, a new Firearms Act, which includes a declaration that prohibits federal agents from seizing weapons in Alberta. Instead, only the province can designate a “seizure agent” for confiscating firearms.

Despite potential constitutional challenges, Smith and Moe are determined to assert their authority. Smith has made it clear that no provincial agency will assist Ottawa in enforcing the buyback program. "We have already taken action," Smith stated during a recent session. "We told the municipalities, no, you can’t have a handgun ban. That is not municipal jurisdiction."

She further emphasized that the RCMP and local law enforcement agencies have been instructed not to participate in the confiscation efforts. Smith also indicated plans to establish a provincial firearms licensing system, which would give Alberta greater control over gun ownership. Currently, there are approximately 2.5 million gun permit holders in Canada, and Smith views federal licensing as an overreach.

Smith's commitment to gun owners is rooted in her past experiences, including her criticism of the RCMP's actions during the 2013 High River flood, where firearms were confiscated from homes. This issue resonates particularly in rural Alberta, where residents are more likely to oppose federal gun control measures. In contrast, urban areas may not share the same level of concern regarding the buyback program.

Resistance to the federal initiative is also emerging in Ontario. The Ontario Provincial Police have announced that their officers will not participate in the confiscation of firearms. Clayton Campbell, head of the Toronto Police Association, noted that legally owned guns are rarely involved in criminal activity. "We know the gun buyback program is going to have essentially zero impact on the crime in Toronto," he said.

The federal government faces a significant challenge in enforcing the buyback program if local police forces refuse to cooperate. Some speculate that Prime Minister Mark Carney may need to deploy military forces to enforce the initiative in Alberta and Saskatchewan, a scenario many consider unlikely.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has faced criticism for the program, particularly after a private conversation was leaked in which he suggested that local police would struggle to enforce it. He later claimed his comments were a poor attempt at humor and defended the program as effective. As the federal government prepares to implement the buyback, it appears to be unprepared for the fierce resistance it may encounter in the western provinces.