REGINA, Sask. — The Government of Canada has extended its federal firearms amnesty beyond the previously scheduled expiry date of Oct. 30, 2026.
The amnesty period now extends to 90 days after the Supreme Court of Canada renders its decision on appeals challenging the firearms prohibition. That decision is not expected before mid-2027.
Affected individuals and businesses will remain protected from criminal liability during the extended amnesty period, provided they continue to comply with the amnesty conditions.
The Saskatchewan Firearms Office continues to support Saskatchewan firearms owners through its Firearms Verification and Appraisal Service, helping individuals understand how federal prohibitions affect them and access provincial options for verification, appraisal, exemption and storage, according to Sask. Justice.
The amendment applies to all amnesty orders associated with prohibitions put in place in May 2020, December 2024 and March 2025. Affected individuals can use the Saskatchewan Firearms Verification and Appraisal Service, which offers the following services:
- Firearm verification to determine whether a firearm is affected by federal bans or legislation.
- Certificates of exemption for eligible owners, allowing them to continue possessing and storing certain prohibited firearms on behalf of the Province of Saskatchewan after the expiration of the amnesty.
- Appraisals (certificates of value) for prohibited firearms, ammunition and accessories to help owners establish fair market value when pursuing compensation.
According to Sask. Justice, the Saskatchewan Firearms Office remains focused on ensuring Saskatchewan firearms owners have access to clear information and practical options as they navigate the federal prohibitions.
Saskatchewan firearms owners are encouraged to use the Firearms Verification and Appraisal Service to explore the options available to them rather than relying on assumptions about how the federal prohibitions apply to their individual circumstances.
In May 2020, the Government of Canada prohibited approximately 1,500 models and variants of firearms classified as "assault-style firearms." Further prohibitions followed in December 2024 and March 2025. Federal amnesty orders were introduced to protect affected firearm owners and businesses from criminal liability while they complied with the new prohibitions.
The amnesty period has been extended several times. On March 19, 2026, the Supreme Court of Canada granted leave to hear appeals challenging the legality of the May 2020 prohibition. Again, the amnesty period now extends to 90 days following the delivery of the Court's decision on those appeals.
For information and to access the Firearms Verification and Appraisal Service, visit: www.saskatchewan.ca/firearms-verification. Citizen inquiries related to the service can also be directed to the Saskatchewan Firearms Office at 1-833-792-2706 or email fvasupport@gov.sk.ca.
