The Canadian government's ban on assault-style weapons is facing significant challenges, raising concerns about public safety. Critics argue that the policy, initially announced by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following the Nova Scotia massacre, lacks a solid foundation and effective implementation.

When the ban was introduced, it was clear that the government struggled to define which firearms would be prohibited. Instead of a clear list, officials provided a selection of notorious guns while leaving out others. The Nova Scotia shooter used smuggled firearms from the United States, highlighting the limitations of the ban's rationale.

Research indicates that bans on assault-style weapons may not be effective, especially in a country like Canada, which already has strict firearm regulations. Despite the emotional appeal of the policy, evidence supporting its necessity is weak.

Implementation of the ban has been problematic. Various stakeholders, including police forces and provincial governments, have resisted participation. Recently, Ontario's provincial police cited a lack of resources as a reason for not engaging with the ban. Five years after the announcement, the government has collected only a small fraction of the banned firearms from businesses and individuals.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged the policy's shortcomings, admitting on tape that it would not work and attributing the government's hesitance to pressure from Quebec. Despite these challenges, he announced the next phase of the program, which has raised concerns about confusion and noncompliance.

The government's messaging has been contradictory. Officials describe the program as "voluntary" while warning that failing to dispose of or deactivate banned firearms could lead to criminal charges. This has led to confusion about the nature of compliance, with many likening it to the compulsory nature of tax payments.

Moreover, the compensation offered to gun owners for their firearms is expected to be inadequate, which could push firearms into the grey and black markets. The experience of Australia's gun buyback in 1996 serves as a cautionary tale, as many firearms were never returned, contributing to a grey market that can facilitate crime.

As the government grapples with the fallout from the ban, experts warn that the current approach could exacerbate the issue of illegal firearms in Canada. The situation has evolved from ineffective to potentially dangerous, prompting calls for a reevaluation of the policy before further complications arise.