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Saskatchewan Authorizes Exemption Certificates to Keep Prohibited Firearms Under Provincial Authority

The province invokes a Criminal Code exemption to let licensed owners retain federally banned guns under its authority while seeking compensation.

Overview

  • Saskatchewan passed an amendment to its Firearms Act creating certificates that designate eligible owners as acting on behalf of the province for prohibited firearms.
  • Applications are limited to licence holders in good standing, and Justice Minister Tim McLeod said owners must register with the provincial firearms office to receive protections.
  • Premier Scott Moe says the certificates allow continued possession and storage until Ottawa provides fair compensation, with valuations to be set by the Saskatchewan Firearms Commissioner.
  • The federal buyback program remains in effect with a March 31 deadline to file declarations and an Oct. 30 turn‑in date, and Ottawa had not immediately commented on the new law.
  • The provincial Opposition NDP backs the measure, urging the federal government to target criminals rather than licensed owners.