Federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program

We are sharing this message on behalf of the GNWT:

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YELLOWKNIFE (January 21, 2026) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has clarified its role in relation to the federal Assault‑Style Firearms Compensation Program (the buyback program). The program will be administered by the Government of Canada in the Northwest Territories. The GNWT's priority remains focused on community safety and effective policing.

The GNWT has maintained ongoing communication with Public Safety Canada (PSC) and has consistently communicated that it will not administer the program. This includes confirmation that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the Northwest Territories will continue to focus on core policing responsibilities to support community safety.

The federal government has confirmed that it will design and administer the compensation program independently. On January 19, 2026, PSC notified restricted firearms license holders across Canada of their obligations under the program and outlined the potential consequences of non‑compliance.

In recognition of the unique logistical realities in the Northwest Territories, including the absence of local service providers, PSC has indicated that firearms owners will be supported through mailed return kits and other collection options tailored to northern communities.

The GNWT has emphasized the importance of clear and direct communication between the federal government and Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories. The GNWT has also shared this information with the Council of Leaders and encouraged Indigenous governments to engage directly with PSC on program‑specific questions.

Quote:

“Our government’s primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of communities across the Northwest Territories. To support this, we are focused on ensuring the territorial resources are in place so that the RCMP can concentrate on core policing duties essential to community safety. This initiative is being led by the Government of Canada, but the GNWT has emphasized to the federal government the importance of providing clear, direct communication to all Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories regarding how the program will operate in the North.”

- Jay Macdonald, Minister of Justice 

Links: Assault‑Style Firearms Compensation Program – Canada.ca

For media requests, please contact:

Department of Justice

Government of the Northwest Territories

Email: Justice_Communications@gov.nt.ca