Our Perspective on the Firearms "Buyback" Program
Since the federal buyback program was announced, we have received a high volume of calls from firearms owners seeking clarity. Most are trying to remain compliant with the law while also protecting their property interests.
This post is intended to outline our perspective on the current environment and explain how we hope to be of assistance.
We are not lawyers, and nothing below should be interpreted as legal advice. What follows is simply our assessment of the situation as we see it.
In recent years, Canadians have been confronted with developments that would have seemed unlikely not long ago: individuals acting within the law facing consequences driven by political considerations, and government actors exempting themselves from legal constraints without apparent repercussion. While this is an everyday reality in many parts of the world, it is relatively new for Canadians. As a result, expectations must be adjusted, and it is prudent to recognize that the institutions we are dealing with may not always function as reliable counterparties.
We will refrain from speculating on the motivations behind current firearms policy.
Taking the federal and provincial governments at their word, owners of firearms classified as Prohibited under the current list are required to either permanently deactivate or dispose of those firearms before the amnesty expires on October 30, 2026, or risk criminal liability for unlawful possession.
The Government of Alberta has stated that it will not actively enforce confiscation. However, this position does not eliminate criminal liability for individual owners under federal law.
Saskatchewan has indicated that it will not obstruct a federal program, while also introducing provincial measures intended to ensure owners are compensated for loss of value. The province has additionally discussed the development of a storage program that would allow owners to relinquish possession and thereby reduce personal criminal risk.
The CCFR has provided thorough coverage of both Alberta’s and Saskatchewan’s responses, and we encourage readers to consult their materials for a more detailed analysis.
One point that is often overlooked is the extent of existing transaction records. Firearms purchased through a retailer—whether or not they were registered at the time—almost always leave a paper trail. Subsequent private transfers generate authorization numbers which, while not necessarily tied to a specific firearm, can be used to reconstruct a chain of ownership. As a result, owners who believe a firearm is unknown to the government may find that assumption does not hold up in practice.
Our goal is to help owners navigate this environment carefully, pragmatically, and with a clear understanding of the risks involved.
So What Is Steller Doing?
After many months of searching for a suitable location, we have secured a site for our Alberta facility and expect to begin the permitting process shortly.
Our British Columbia facility remains fully permitted to store and transport Prohibited firearms in accordance with current regulations.
With respect to how third-party storage arrangements may be treated once the federal amnesty expires in October 2026, we have been actively seeking clarification from both the British Columbia and Alberta Chief Firearms Offices. At this time, neither office has provided definitive guidance.
Importantly, we have not been advised that our existing storage privileges for Prohibited firearms would be revoked. Under current understanding, ownership would remain with the individual owner, and it is possible that the federal position would continue to view possession as remaining with the owner as well. However, this remains an area of uncertainty.
Steller Management will comply fully with any lawful requests from law enforcement or regulatory authorities.
Our near-term priority is to have the Alberta location operational as soon as it is fully permitted, particularly given Alberta’s stated position regarding enforcement. We have also reached out to Saskatchewan to explore whether storage facilitation there may become a viable option for clients who place a higher priority on compensation mechanisms.
At present, neither province has provided sufficient clarity to eliminate uncertainty entirely. Some level of risk remains, though we are hopeful that additional guidance will emerge over time. It is also possible that broader political changes could materially alter the current program.
In the meantime, clients who are interested in storing firearms at our Alberta facility once permitting is complete are encouraged to complete our Indication of Interest form to receive updates as information becomes available. We are working on rolling out a lower cost, more self-directed & automated offering to complement our current storage service.
We appreciate the trust our clients place in us and remain committed to navigating this environment carefully, transparently, and in full compliance with applicable law.
