Canada’s Supreme Court is set to hear a major legal challenge against the federal government’s ban on thousands of firearm models, reopening a debate over gun control, public safety and the rights of licensed firearm owners.
The hearings, scheduled for November 9 and 10, 2026, will give firearm owners, hunting organisations and industry representatives another opportunity to challenge the legality of the federal prohibition.
The dispute centres on a May 2020 decision by the federal government to prohibit the use, sale and importation of approximately 1,500 firearm models and variants, including the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14.
The government introduced the restrictions under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, arguing that the affected firearms were designed for military-style use and posed unacceptable risks to public safety.
Since then, the list of prohibited firearms has expanded to include more than 2,500 makes and models.
Gun Owners Challenge Federal Government’s Authority
Several firearm owners, businesses, hunters and recreational shooters, alongside the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, have challenged the government’s decision.
They argue that the federal cabinet exceeded its authority by prohibiting firearms that had previously been legally owned and used for hunting and sport shooting.
The legal challenge also questions whether the government properly considered existing legislation protecting firearms considered reasonable for legitimate hunting and sporting activities.
However, the Federal Court dismissed the initial challenge in October 2023, ruling that the government had acted within its regulatory authority.
The Federal Court of Appeal subsequently upheld that decision in April 2025, prompting the applicants to take their case to Canada’s highest court.
Federal Government Defends the Ban
Federal lawyers maintain that the prohibition was reasonable and necessary to address public safety concerns.
In its submissions, the government argues that the affected firearms have the potential to cause significant harm because of their lethality and capacity to injure or kill multiple people within a short period.
The government also maintains that thousands of alternative firearms remain legally available for hunting and sporting purposes.
According to federal submissions, the prohibited firearms were owned by approximately three to five per cent of Canadian firearm owners.
Amnesty Period Extended Pending Supreme Court Decision
The legal proceedings have also affected the government’s firearms compensation and disposal arrangements.
An amnesty period that was initially scheduled to expire on October 30, 2026, has been extended until 90 days after the Supreme Court delivers its decision, which is expected in 2027.
The extension protects eligible firearm owners and businesses from criminal liability while the legal challenge remains unresolved.
The outcome of the Supreme Court proceedings could have significant implications for Canada’s firearms regulations, licensed owners and the government’s broader gun control policies.
For now, the existing prohibition remains in effect as the court considers arguments from both sides.
Swifteradio.com
