Ruff says local gun owners told to ship firearms by couriers that won't take them

Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff told the House of Commons that constituents have been told to ship their firearms to the federal government by couriers that won't carry them.

Ruff, a Conservative, raised the issue in question period on Oct. 9, according to the Hansard record.

Ruff told the House that "since October 1, I have multiple constituents receiving notice from the Liberal government's gun-grab program that they must ship their firearms to the government via Purolator, FedEx or UPS by October 17 in order to receive compensation." He added: "All three couriers have refused as they restrict shipping of firearms without prior approval."

He asked whether the public safety minister had considered the requirement, and called the program a "multi-billion-dollar boondoggle".

Jacques Ramsay, parliamentary secretary to the minister of public safety, replied that "the reports we have from most gun owners is that the procedure is going well."

Ramsay added: "If the member has heard about any specific cases where it is not working, I would invite him to connect with me or with our ministry, and we will make sure it works."

The program is the federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program. Public Safety Canada's website says collection, deactivation and compensation are expected to run "from spring through early fall 2026," with timelines set for each region. It says owners must wait for a notification and sign a funding agreement before turning in a firearm, and that the program mails a "transportation kit" for each declared firearm.

The Banner has asked Public Safety Canada about the courier requirement and the Oct. 17 date, and asked Ruff's office how many constituents have been affected.

Your turn

Are you a firearm owner in Grey or Bruce dealing with the compensation program? Tell us what's happened at news@chatsworthbanner.ca or through our tip form.