Overview: A region-wide decision on the federal buyback program
The Northwest Territories government has announced that it will not administer the federal government’s gun buyback program. The decision clarifies who is responsible for handling eligible firearms and compensation processes in the territory, and it has immediate implications for residents who own certain listed firearms or who were hoping to participate in the buyback.
Why the N.W.T. isn’t running the buyback
Officials cited jurisdictional and logistical considerations in a statement released to the public. The federal buyback program—designed to remove specific firearms from civilian possession—has a structure that many provinces and territories must adapt to their local administration. In the Northwest Territories, the administration of such a program would require provincial or territorial alignment, staffing, and funding, which the territory has chosen not to undertake at this time. This means residents who want to cash in on the buyback will need to pursue alternatives through federal channels or other approved routes.
What this means for residents and gun owners
For gun owners, the main question is: how do I participate if the territory isn’t administering the program? The answer: check federal guidance and any available provincial or territorial exemptions, reporting requirements, and compensation options. Some residents may need to contact federal authorities directly or work with local law enforcement for compliance steps. Others may opt to retain or convert firearms in ways that comply with local laws, depending on what the federal program allows and what local regulations permit.
Impact on enthusiasts and sport shooters
Local ranges and shooting clubs may experience shifts in what firearms are legally available for sport shooting or training, while owners of listed firearms—such as certain semi-automatic rifles or other models on the federal list—will be especially affected by the buyback’s removal from territorial administration. A Yellowknife resident who practices at the range described her use as recreational target shooting; for many like her, the situation adds a layer of administrative complexity rather than changing day-to-day hobby activity, but it does affect timing and eligibility for any compensation programs tied to the buyback.
Public safety and policy context
Public safety remains a central concern in any discussion about gun ownership and buyback programs. The federal buyback is intended to reduce the number of certain firearms in civilian hands. The N.W.T. government’s stance does not alter the federal objective, but it does shape how residents engage with the process. Officials emphasize safety, compliance with federal and territorial laws, and the importance of seeking accurate, up-to-date guidance on how to proceed if a firearm is listed and a resident wishes to participate in the program.
What residents should do next
Residents who hold a firearm that is listed by the federal program should:
- Consult the federal government’s official buyback guidance and timelines
- Contact local authorities or range operators if unsure about compliance steps
- Review any territorial regulations that might affect possession, transfer, or disposal
- Consider seeking legal advice if there is confusion about liability or eligibility for compensation
Looking ahead
As federal and territory-level policies evolve, residents should stay informed about any updates that could affect participation in gun buyback programs. Community feedback and safety concerns will likely influence future decisions, including whether the N.W.T. government may revisit its position or partner with federal agencies for streamlined processes.
