The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) and the Durham Regional Police Service Board (DRPSB) have reviewed the federal Assault‑Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) and have decided not to participate at this time.
Significant gaps remain within the program, including insufficient operational clarity and resources to support safe and effective implementation, said a statement from DRPS Chief Peter Moreira.
“Violent crime involving illicit firearms continues to be a major concern in Durham Region and across Canada. With limited resources and increased public safety demands, DRPS must focus on initiatives that have the greatest impact on community safety—reducing violent crime, targeting repeat offenders, and removing illegal firearms from our streets,” he said in a statement without elaborating on other measures to fight violent crime.
“Public safety remains our top priority. We acknowledge the federal government’s commitment to addressing gun violence and will continue working with them, the Province of Ontario, and our community partners to advance efforts aimed at combating illicit firearms,” he added.
2,500+ Models Banned
The Government of Canada has banned more than 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms since May 2020.
The Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) was developed to provide an option for eligible businesses and individuals who own these prohibited firearms to comply with the law. Those who choose to participate in the program may receive compensation subject to availability of program funds.
While participating in the program is voluntary, compliance with the law is not. Businesses and individual firearm owners must safely dispose of or permanently deactivate their assault-style firearms before the amnesty period ends on October 30, 2026, or risk criminal liability for the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm, according to a statement from Ottawa.