The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is offering free legal advice to Cape Breton firearms owners after the federal government announced a pilot project to confiscate firearms.

“If you’re a gun owner in Cape Breton and you want to know your rights, we are here for you,” said Devin Drover, CTF General Counsel. “Ottawa just extended the amnesty until at least October 2026 and you do not have to hand anything over right now.

“Police officers across Canada are saying that confiscating guns from licenced gun owners won’t reduce gun crime so we want to make sure those law-abiding citizens have the legal advice they need.”

The federal government has banned more than 2,500 models of firearms since 2020. Now it is targeting Cape Breton gun owners directly with this confiscation trial, despite warnings from experts that the program will not work.

“It won’t impact crime rates,” said Doug King, professor of justice studies at Mount Royal University.

The National Police Federation, representing RCMP officers, has also warned the scheme “diverts extremely important personnel, resources, and funding away from addressing the more immediate and growing threat of criminal use of illegal firearms.”

Meanwhile, costs continue to escalate. The Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates compensation alone could reach $756 million, with some experts warning the final tab could climb into the billions.

“Confiscating guns from licensed, law-abiding Canadians won’t stop criminals from getting their hands on illegal guns,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “Taxpayers should not be left footing the bill for a confiscation scheme that won’t make Canadians safer.”

Cape Breton gun owners seeking free legal advice regarding the firearm confiscation can contact the CTF legal team by emailing [email protected].