**Cape Breton Rally Opposes Federal Gun Buyback Program** An estimated 250 people gathered in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on Thursday to protest a federal buyback program aimed at prohibited firearms. The rally, held outside the Myles F. Burke Police Headquarters, was organized to express discontent with what participants view as a misuse of police resources and taxpayer money. Tracey Wilson, vice-president of public relations for the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, criticized the program, stating, "It’s a waste of police resources and of tax dollars. Those efforts should be focused on crime, violence and gun smuggling — not on the good people of Cape Breton." The event was organized by Anna Manley, a local lawyer and former Conservative candidate, and Jeff McNeil, president of the Port Morien Wildlife Association. Participants traveled from various provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador, to voice their opposition to the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program. Wilson argued that the federal government is misdirecting its efforts by targeting law-abiding gun owners. "Why on Earth would you target people that aren’t committing crimes?" she asked. "Our goal here is to tell the good people of Cape Breton that they don’t have to put up with this. They don’t have to participate in this pilot project and let the whole thing fail." McNeil noted that the Cape Breton Regional Police are among a few forces testing the compensation process in collaboration with the federal government. He expressed disappointment that police chief Robert Walsh did not attend the rally to address concerns. However, Walsh later issued a statement acknowledging the peaceful nature of the protest and confirming that some registrations for the program are being processed. The rally led to the closure of the police headquarters for the day. Many participants, including Barry Hennessey, a gun owner from Whitney Pier, voiced their belief that the program will not effectively reduce crime. Hennessey stated, "We know crime isn’t committed by law-abiding people that have permits. I think that money could be better spent in a whole different manner, even hiring new police officers or whatever the case may be." Simon Lee, an international student and competitive shooter, described the situation as "totally ridiculous," expressing frustration that his legal firearms are now being targeted by the government. The rally featured speeches from Conservative MPs, including Carol Anstey and Blaine Calkins, who emphasized the need for bail reform rather than targeting law-abiding citizens. Calkins remarked, "We don’t solve the problem of crime by going after people who don’t break the law. Criminals are the people who don’t follow the law, so there’s no point in making life more miserable for the people who do follow the rules." Since May 2020, following a mass shooting in Nova Scotia, the federal government has prohibited approximately 2,500 assault-style firearms. Amnesty orders are in place until October 2026 to protect lawful owners from criminal liability while they comply with the law. The new Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) is currently being piloted in Cape Breton. Once the six-week testing period is completed, the program is expected to roll out nationwide. Critics have raised concerns that the compensation offered may not adequately cover the costs incurred by gun owners. Manley warned that the compensation is not guaranteed and that much of the budgeted amount for the program may be consumed by administrative costs. In response to the rally, Walsh defended the program, stating, "It’s a voluntary program (but) the law is not voluntary. The law is the law. It says that they’re prohibited, but participation in the program is strictly voluntary." He emphasized that the program aims to ensure prohibited firearms are disposed of safely to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. As the pilot program continues, Walsh noted that it will serve as a model for other police services across Canada when the program is implemented nationally in the coming weeks.