Kelly Pierce, a resident of Yellowknife, enjoys using her Plainfield Machine M1 Carbine firearm for target practice at the range. However, this firearm is among those banned in Canada and included in a federal gun buyback initiative. The government requires owners, like Pierce, to safely dispose of or permanently deactivate their assault-style firearms by October 30 to avoid potential criminal charges for possessing a prohibited weapon unlawfully.
In the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.), participating in the federal buyback program may pose challenges as the territorial government has declared it will not oversee the program. Consequently, residents, including Pierce, are left with limited guidance on how to proceed. The N.W.T. government announced that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the territory will not be part of the program.
Due to logistical constraints and a lack of local service providers, firearm owners in the N.W.T. have been granted the option to use mailed return kits provided by Public Safety Canada. The government mentioned the availability of other collection methods tailored to northern communities but did not elaborate on the specifics.
Pierce expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding how she can return her firearm via mail. Meanwhile, Jonathan Rocheleau, the president of the Yellowknife Shooting Club, highlighted the existing challenges in returning firearms in the N.W.T., emphasizing the importance of facilitating the disposal process to prevent potential dangers associated with improperly deactivated firearms.
Chief Ernest Betsina of Dettah criticized the federal program at the Dene National Assembly of First Nations, denouncing additional restrictions imposed on community members. The N.W.T. government called for transparent communication between the federal government and Indigenous governments in the territory regarding the buyback program.
CBC News attempted to reach out to relevant authorities and organizations for further details and comments, but responses were not received before publication. An official from N.W.T. MP Rebecca Alty’s office emphasized that the buyback program aims to remove assault-style firearms designed for maximum damage without intending to restrict hunting or sport shooting activities.