Ottawa Police not participating in federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 2, 2026 1:25 p.m.

(Ottawa) – Following a review of operational, resourcing, and system requirements associated with the federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), the Ottawa Police Service Board and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) have determined that OPS will not participate as a designated collection site in the program.

“It is the Board’s responsibility to ensure that our city receives adequate and effective policing as set out in the Community Safety and Policing Act. After careful review, the Board and the Service agree that participating would place undue strain on the police resources dedicated to core policing duties,” said Marty Carr, Vice Chair of the Ottawa Police Service Board. “Preventing and reducing violent crime continues to be an ongoing strategic and operational priority, and this includes a focus on gang activity and seizing illegal firearms in our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.”

An operational assessment of the program’s requirements, including appointment-based collection, verification, secure handling, short-term storage, administration, and system access, found that OPS cannot sustain the level of resourcing needed to participate while maintaining capacity for core policing priorities. Ongoing staffing pressures and competing operational demands were key factors. The assessment also identified significant implementation requirements related to systems access, workflow integration, training, and administration.

“We support efforts to reduce firearm-related harm, and we recognize the objectives of the federal program,” said Chief Eric Stubbs. “At the same time, decisions like this have to be grounded in what can be delivered safely and consistently. Based on the assessment of the program’s requirements, OPS is not in a position to take on the additional responsibilities without impacting core policing priorities.”

The Ottawa Police Service and the Ottawa Police Service Board support evidence-based strategies that reduce violence and strengthen community safety, and will continue working with all levels of government on measures that deliver public safety results.

While OPS will not participate as a designated collection site in the federal ASFCP, the Service continues to support the safe surrender and disposal of unwanted firearms through existing processes that do not provide compensation.

For individuals in Ottawa looking to arrange to surrender a firearm to the Ottawa Police Service, they should:

• Call the Ottawa Police non-emergency line at 613-236-1222 (option 1, then option 2) to speak to someone to have the firearm picked up.
• Follow the instructions Police will provide on how to safely surrender the firearm, including whether an officer pickup or another coordinated process is required.
• Never bring a firearm to a police facility without prior instructions.

Firearms may also be permanently deactivated through a business that is authorized to perform deactivations in accordance with Canadian legal requirements.

Individual firearm owners in Ontario remain responsible for complying with federal law. Owners who wish to participate in the federal compensation program must submit a declaration within the federal declaration period. Firearms must otherwise be disposed of or permanently deactivated through lawful means before the federal amnesty deadline.

For federal program information, eligibility, and declaration requirements, individuals should consult Public Safety Canada’s website on the ASFCP. 

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Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366

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