Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has announced the Liberal government is moving forward with its gun buyback initiative by launching a pilot program in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
The minister expressed his support for the program at a Sept. 23 press conference, after doubting it in a private Sept. 21 conversation with an individual the minister said he has known for “many years.” The conversation was recorded without his knowledge and leaked.
“I have absolute confidence in this program,” Anandasangaree told reporters when asked to explain the discrepancy between his private and public remarks.
Anandasangaree said the program to turn-in firearms that fall under the new prohibitions is “voluntary.” However, once the amnesty expires, those who are still in possession of the prohibited firearms will be committing a criminal offence and, according to provisions in the Criminal Code, they could be imprisoned for up to five years….