The Alberta government will introduce a motion this week under provincial sovereignty legislation to defy the federal gun seizure program, Premier Danielle Smith announced Sunday during a speech at the United Conservative Party’s annual general meeting.
The motion, if passed by the legislature, will instruct “provincial entities,” including municipalities and law enforcement agencies, to refuse to enforce or prosecute the assault-style firearms compensation program.
It would also protect Albertans defending themselves from intruders, she said.
“I’ve got a little tip for low-life criminals out there: if you don’t want to get shot, don’t break into someone’s house,” Smith said during her speech. “It’s really that simple, isn’t it?”
The provincial government wants police and the justice system to focus on “criminals — not farmers, not ranchers or sport shooters, nor Albertans defending their families and homes,” she said.
Public Safety Canada did not immediately respond to CBC News’ request for comment. The ministry oversees the gun program, and firearm and policing policy advice falls under its responsibilities.
The Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act, passed in December 2022, offers a framework to challenge federal laws and policies in court.
The federal government has banned more than 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms since May 2020. It developed a buy-back program, which is voluntary, to compensate eligible businesses and individuals who own such weapons.
But there is an amnesty period on this weapons ban. If people and businesses don’t dispose or deactivate those weapons before Oct. 30, 2026, they risk being charged with illegal possession of a prohibited firearm.
The Alberta government has taken steps over the past few years to try to push back against federal gun restrictions.
In September, Smith included firearm-related stipulations in her mandate letters to Justice Minister Mickey Amery and Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis.
Amery’s mandate letter stated he must “relentlessly defend Albertans’ right to lawful and safe possession of firearms and affirm Albertans’ right of self-defence.”
Ellis was mandated to ensure all policing priorities are aligned with that direction.
The Opposition NDP did not immediately respond to CBC News’ request for comment.
