Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), the assault-style firearms compensation program, ASFCP, opened to all eligible businesses between December 6, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Compensation amounts for assault-style firearms affected by the May 2020 prohibition were determined based on in-depth research and analysis, which includereviewing manufacturer prices, Canadian dealer and retailer prices, foreign retailer prices, pricing guidebooks and auction listings; and consulting with the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association, CSAAA, which served as an intermediary with businesses and confirmed that compensation amounts reasonably reflected what businesses may have paid in 2020 for affected ASFs.
A $250 administrative amount was also provided for each assault-style firearm turned in to offset processing and packaging costs as well as inventory and holding costs incurred since the 2020 prohibition.
With regard to (b), PS continues to make progress towards a launch of the program for individuals later this year. Details will be shared in due course.
With regard to (c), (d) and (e), during the operation of the program for businesses, businesses were responsible for the safe packaging of their firearms in accordance with the Storage, Display and Transportation of Firearms and Other Weapons by Businesses regulations SOR/98-210 and any applicable provincial or territorial laws. Businesses were also responsible for making shipping arrangements with a carrier licensed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or Canada Post for the firearms to be shipped for destruction.
Due to security and safety issues, the names and locations of the contractors involved in the ASFCP cannot be disclosed. Collection activities under the program for individuals will be supported by contribution agreements with provincial and municipal authorities.
With regard to (f), the ASFCP is a voluntary program. As of April 30, businesses had claimed over 12,000 prohibited items for compensation. As of July 3, $13,044,823 in compensation has been paid.