Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is stepping up its opposition to the federal government’s firearms restrictions, with the provincial government intervening in a Supreme Court of Canada appeal challenging the 2020 firearms ban.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the province would continue defending individuals who legally own firearms for hunting, farming, sport shooting and collecting. He argued that responsible gun owners should not be targeted by policies intended to address violent crime, adding that public safety efforts should instead concentrate on criminals and illegal firearms trafficking.
Alberta is joining Saskatchewan and Ontario in presenting its position before the country’s highest court. According to Amery, the intervention provides the province with an opportunity to formally challenge the federal government’s approach as the Supreme Court considers the appeal.
The minister reiterated that Alberta had previously used the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act to oppose participation in the federal firearms confiscation programme. The province had made its position clear last year, stating that it would not take part in the scheme.
Amery also highlighted other provincial measures aimed at protecting lawful firearms owners. These include restricting municipalities from introducing differing local firearms policies and making provincial licensing mandatory for anyone involved in seizing, storing or destroying firearms in Alberta. The licence must be issued by Alberta’s chief firearms officer.
He further said the provincial government had instructed law enforcement agencies to direct their resources towards violent offenders and genuine public safety risks rather than individuals who comply with firearms laws.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Amery said Alberta would continue using both legal action and provincial legislation to defend responsible firearms ownership. He maintained that policies addressing gun violence should focus on criminal activity while respecting Canadians who legally and safely possess firearms.
