Quebec City, Canada – Thousands of protestors took to the streets of Quebec City on Saturday, February 28, 2026, to voice their opposition to the federal government’s planned buyback program for what it deems “assault-style firearms.” The demonstration, held in front of the National Assembly, represents a significant escalation in resistance to the controversial policy, which aims to remove approximately 2,500 types of firearms from civilian ownership. The program, first announced in May 2020, has faced consistent pushback from gun owners and advocacy groups, who argue it unfairly targets law-abiding citizens and infringes upon their constitutional rights.
The federal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, initially prohibited these firearms, classifying them as belonging “on the battlefield, not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters.” The subsequent buyback program is intended to provide “fair compensation” to owners, with Ottawa having budgeted over $700 million for the effort. Although, the definition of “fair compensation” and the logistical challenges of implementing such a large-scale buyback have been points of contention from the outset. The recent protests in Quebec underscore the deep divisions surrounding the issue and the strong opposition the government faces in its attempt to implement the policy.
Growing Opposition in Quebec
The protests in Quebec City were particularly notable for their size and intensity. Estimates suggest several thousand people participated, carrying signs and chanting slogans against the buyback program. Many protestors expressed concerns about the potential impact on hunters, sport shooters and collectors, arguing that the firearms targeted are commonly used for legitimate purposes. The demonstration also highlighted a sense of frustration with what protestors perceive as a lack of consultation and a disregard for the concerns of gun owners.
Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière has stated that the province supports the federal program, calling it “a step toward safer communities.” However, this support appears to be at odds with the sentiments expressed by many Quebec residents, as evidenced by the large turnout at the protest. The federal government is providing up to $12.4 million to Quebec to support coordinate the buyback effort, a move that has further fueled the opposition. The funds will be used to cover the costs associated with administering the program within the province, including outreach to gun owners and the logistical arrangements for collecting and disposing of the prohibited firearms. CBC News reported on this funding allocation on January 7, 2026.
National Context and the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program
The Quebec protests are part of a broader national debate surrounding gun control in Canada. The federal government’s decision to ban certain firearms in 2020 followed years of advocacy from gun control groups and a series of high-profile incidents involving gun violence. The Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), as it is officially known, is designed to provide a pathway for owners of prohibited firearms to comply with the law. Eligible individuals and businesses can participate in the program and receive compensation, subject to the availability of program funds.
However, the program has been plagued by delays and uncertainty. The initial rollout was hampered by logistical challenges and concerns about the valuation of the firearms. The government has repeatedly pushed back the deadline for participation, and many gun owners remain skeptical about the fairness of the compensation offered. The protests in Quebec reflect this widespread dissatisfaction and a growing sense of distrust in the government’s handling of the issue. The program aims to address concerns about public safety by removing firearms that are considered to be particularly dangerous, but critics argue that it will not effectively address the root causes of gun violence and will only punish law-abiding citizens.
Protestors’ Concerns and Arguments
The protestors in Quebec City articulated a range of concerns about the buyback program. Many argued that the firearms targeted are not inherently dangerous and are commonly used for legitimate sporting and hunting activities. They also expressed concerns about the potential for the program to lead to a broader crackdown on gun ownership and the erosion of their rights. “Nos armes ne sont pas à vendre!” (“Our guns are not for sale!”) was a common refrain among the protestors, as reported by Le Soleil. Some protestors also questioned the effectiveness of the program in reducing gun violence, arguing that criminals will always find ways to obtain firearms regardless of the law.
protestors voiced concerns about the potential financial burden of the buyback program on taxpayers. With a budget of over $700 million, the program represents a significant investment of public funds. Critics argue that this money could be better spent on other priorities, such as mental health services or crime prevention programs. The debate over the buyback program highlights the complex and often polarized nature of gun control in Canada, with deeply held beliefs on both sides of the issue.
The Road Ahead and Potential Implications
The protests in Quebec City are likely to intensify the pressure on the federal government to address the concerns of gun owners and to reconsider its approach to the buyback program. Even as the government remains committed to implementing the policy, it may be forced to make concessions in order to appease the opposition. Possible concessions could include increasing the level of compensation offered to gun owners or extending the deadline for participation in the program.
The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of gun control in Canada. If the government is successful in implementing the buyback program, it could pave the way for further restrictions on gun ownership. However, if the opposition continues to grow, it could derail the program and force the government to adopt a more conciliatory approach. The situation remains fluid, and the next few months will be crucial in determining the fate of the buyback program and the broader debate over gun control in Canada. The buyback program is expected to open to individual firearms owners across the country in the coming weeks, according to Public Safety Canada.
The federal government’s commitment to the buyback program, despite the widespread opposition, underscores its determination to address gun violence and enhance public safety. However, the protests in Quebec City serve as a stark reminder of the deep divisions that exist within Canadian society on this issue. Finding a solution that balances the concerns of gun owners with the need to reduce gun violence will be a major challenge for the government in the years to reach.
Key Takeaways:
- Thousands of protestors demonstrated against the federal gun buyback program in Quebec City on February 28, 2026.
- The program, budgeted at over $700 million, aims to remove approximately 2,500 types of “assault-style” firearms from civilian ownership.
- Protestors expressed concerns about the fairness of the compensation offered, the impact on legitimate gun owners, and the effectiveness of the program in reducing gun violence.
- The Quebec government supports the federal program, providing up to $12.4 million to assist with its implementation.
- The buyback program is expected to open to individual firearms owners in the coming weeks.
The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are expected as the federal government moves forward with the implementation of the buyback program. Readers are encouraged to stay informed and engage in constructive dialogue on this important issue. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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