Translation

"I hear your concerns regarding the federal compensation program for assault-style firearms.

I want to take us back to 2020, when the federal government decided to prohibit more than 2,500 types of firearms. Although they were purchased in good faith and entirely legally by licensed owners, these firearms are now prohibited and can no longer be used or sold. The amnesty period will end on October 30, 2026.

As for Quebec’s firearms registration service, at no time can it be used by the federal government to identify firearms owners who are affected by the prohibition. No one will come to confiscate your firearms either.

I also acknowledge that this program, on its own, will not solve the issues related to crimes committed with firearms.

Many people are therefore asking why Quebec is “participating” in the program. We reached an agreement with the federal government to make it easier, for those who wish to do so, to obtain financial compensation—plain and simple.

To date, thousands of owners have chosen to take the compensation.

For us, it was out of the question to let the federal government implement the program in Quebec, and we made it clear that Quebec’s registry will not be used."

(Translation by David LePage on X)