Sarnia Police opt out of federal assault-style firearm buyback program

Decision aligns with neighbouring police services across Southwestern Ontario.

The Sarnia Police Service has confirmed it will not participate in the federal government’s Assault-Style Firearm Compensation Program. The national buyback initiative formally entered its declaration phase on January 19, 2026. This program allows eligible firearm owners and businesses to voluntarily declare prohibited firearms for compensation or permanent deactivation.

Participation by local police services remains optional. The Sarnia Police Service will not offer collection appointments or administer the program locally. During a police board meeting on January 29, Chief Derek Davis stated the service lacks the necessary infrastructure to manage the federal mandate.

Chief Davis told the board that there is no storage facility or resourcing available for the initiative. He also expressed concern regarding the program’s focus, noting that those impacted are not the primary drivers of gun crime. Davis stated that these individuals were law-abiding citizens and suggested the program requires more refinement.

Sarnia’s decision aligns with a broader regional pattern in Southwestern Ontario. Police services in Strathroy-Caradoc, Woodstock, Aylmer, Chatham-Kent, St. Thomas, and London have also opted out. Chief Davis noted that the volume of services refusing to participate reflects a widespread belief that more work is needed on the program.

The meeting also revealed gaps in internal communication within the board. Vice-Chair Anne Marie Gillis admitted she was unaware of the service's official position until the meeting, despite a public release the previous week. Gillis expressed concern that if board members were unaware, many residents likely remain uninformed about the local stance.

Federal officials have banned more than 2,500 makes and models of firearms since May 2020. The amnesty period is scheduled to end on October 30, 2026. After this date, possession of these firearms will be illegal and subject to criminal penalties. Firearm owners must declare their intent to participate by March 31, 2026.

While the federal compensation program remains active, Sarnia residents must look for guidance through Canada's official Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program rather than local police. Regional police leaders indicated that options to safely surrender firearms for destruction without compensation will still exist. All prohibited firearms must be disposed of or deactivated before the October deadline.