Canada Expands Firearm Ban, Aids Ukraine

The Canadian government has banned an additional 324 models of 'assault-style' firearms, effective immediately, as part of a continued effort to tighten gun control measures. This announcement coincides with the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre, which spurred calls for stricter firearms regulations. Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair stated that these newly banned weapons may be sent to Ukraine, with discussions already underway to facilitate this transfer to support the country's defense needs against Russia. The government has also initiated a buy-back program for Canadian owners of these firearms, with an amnesty period until October 30, 2025. This move has drawn criticism from gun rights groups, which argue that the expanded ban and plans to send weapons to Ukraine are ineffective gestures that will not enhance public safety. The prohibition builds on a previous ban of 1,500 firearm types enacted in 2020, with the intent to prevent mass shootings and ensure community safety.