Halifax Regional Police Will Participate

Brian Teepell/USPA 24 News - Premier Tim Houston's statement follows the signing of an agreement between Halifax Regional Police and the federal government earlier this week to participate in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program.
The program was initiated following the federal prohibition of over 2,500 makes and models of firearms referred to as assault-style by the government. Houston was questioned about HRP's decision during an appearance on The Todd Veinotte Show. "It's illogical, to be honest," he stated. "There are numerous alternatives for officers to contribute to community safety; this program is not among them."

Halifax Regional Police has entered into an agreement with the federal government to participate in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program.

Recently, the federal government has prohibited over 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms, previously available to lawful and licensed gun owners in Canada. The Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program now allows gun owners to declare their prohibited firearms and receive payment for disposal or deactivation.

Individuals owning firearms must declare their intent to participate in the compensation program by March 31, 2026. Following the declaration period, eligible participants will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment for the collection of their firearms by the Halifax Regional Police in the spring. The federal government will oversee the coordination and administration of compensation.

Although participation in the program is voluntary, gun owners who do not participate must dispose of or permanently deactivate their prohibited firearms before October 30, 2026. Non-compliance may lead to the revocation of their possession and acquisition licence, as well as criminal liability.

Halifax Regional Police’s participation in this program is funded by the federal government. All participating officers will be working on overtime shifts paid for by the federal government. This format ensures there will be no impact to front-line or investigative policing.

Statement from Chief MacLean: "There are varying opinions on the federal government’s Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program so I would like to share more about Halifax Regional Police’s participation. The federal government has recently prohibited over 2,500 makes and models of Assault Style Firearms. I understand that most of these firearms were purchased lawfully and by licenced gun owners, but on October 30th, 2026, they will be illegal across Canada."

"Halifax Regional Police’s participation in the program ensures owners have a safe and responsible way to dispose of these firearms ahead of the deadline. And by participating in the program, HRM gunowners will be compensated by the federal government."

This program is not about criminalizing gunowners. It’s about ensuring people have the support they need to comply with new federal laws. I also want to be clear on my own personal position. While I know most gunowners do not have a malicious intent to misuse their firearm, I do believe our city would benefit from having fewer guns in communities and to reduce the chance that they can be misused, stolen, or diverted into criminal activity."

"I respect that people may disagree with the firearms prohibition or the compensation program. But, now is not the time for Halifax Regional Police to turn away from an opportunity to help reduce the number of firearms in our communities."