Overview
- The top court agreed to hear four consolidated appeals contesting the Trudeau-era regulation targeting what the government deems battlefield-style firearms.
- The prohibition now covers about 2,500 makes and models, including the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14, which can no longer be legally used or sold.
- Earlier challenges were dismissed by the Federal Court in 2023 and upheld by the Federal Court of Appeal in 2025, which found cabinet acted within delegated powers.
- The government’s buy-back is underway, with owners required to declare prohibited firearms by March 31 before collection, and an amnesty running to Oct. 30, 2026.
- Gun-rights groups, including the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, welcomed the Supreme Court review, while officials defend the policy as targeting warfare-suited weapons and note about 19,000 non-restricted models remain available for hunting or sport.