Kelly Pierce, a resident of Yellowknife, enjoys using her Plainfield Machine M1 Carbine firearm for recreational target shooting at the range. However, this specific firearm is among those listed as banned in Canada and included in a federal gun buyback initiative. Owners like Pierce are required by Ottawa to dispose of or permanently deactivate their assault-style firearms before October 30 to avoid potential criminal consequences for possessing a prohibited weapon unlawfully.
Despite the federal buyback program being in effect, the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) government has announced that it will not oversee the program. This decision poses challenges for individuals like Pierce as they lack clear guidance on how to proceed. The RCMP in the territory has also confirmed its non-involvement in the program, emphasizing its focus on core policing duties to ensure community safety.
Due to logistical constraints in the region, such as the absence of local service providers, firearm owners in the N.W.T. are permitted by Public Safety Canada to utilize mailed return kits for the disposal of their firearms. Although alternative collection options tailored to northern communities are available, specific details have not been provided in the government’s news release.
Pierce expressed frustration over the lack of clarity on how to return her firearm via mail. In a similar vein, Jonathan Rocheleau, the president of the Yellowknife Shooting Club, highlighted the existing challenges in returning firearms in the N.W.T., citing a previous unsuccessful attempt to return firearms to the RCMP due to their unavailability.
Expressing concerns about the potential dangers of improperly deactivated firearms, Rocheleau emphasized the importance of facilitating easy and safe disposal methods. With the absence of territorial government and RCMP involvement in the buyback program, there is a heightened risk of individuals resorting to disposing of their prohibited firearms independently or retaining them in their possession.
Chief Ernest Betsina of Dettah criticized the federal program at the Dene National Assembly of First Nations, condemning the imposition of additional restrictions on community members. The N.W.T. government also called for transparent communication between the federal government and Indigenous governments in the territory regarding the buyback initiative.
Efforts to gather more information from relevant authorities, including the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and N.W.T. MP Rebecca Alty’s office, were made by CBC News, but responses were not received before publication. A spokesperson for Alty emphasized that the buyback program aims to eliminate assault-style firearms designed for maximum damage without impeding hunting or sport shooting activities.