What Is the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP)?
Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP)
Quick Answer:The Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) allows eligible Canadian firearms license holders to receive compensation for prohibited assault-style firearms. Owners must declare their firearms between January 19 and March 31, 2026, to apply. Compensation is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and all prohibited firearms must be disposed of by October 30, 2026, when the amnesty period ends.
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PAL timelines usually stretch when CFSC proof, references, or CFO follow-up are incomplete — not because of the 28-day waiting period alone. Submit a complete application and answer CFO requests promptly.
Understanding the ASFCP Program
In May 2020, the Government of Canada prohibited more than 2,500 makes and models of firearms, including the AR-15. According to the official notice from the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program dated January 20, 2026, the government committed to compensating eligible businesses and holders of a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) who are impacted by these prohibitions.
The program aims to address gun violence in Canadian communities while ensuring affected firearms owners receive fair compensation.
Who Received This Notice?
The notice is being sent to all holders of a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL). The Canadian Firearms Program facilitated delivery on behalf of Public Safety Canada but has not shared or disclosed any license holder names, addresses, or personal information with Public Safety Canada.
If you received this notice but do not own any of the prohibited firearms listed, you do not need to take any action.
How the Program Has Worked So Far
The ASFCP has already compensated businesses across Canada. According to the government notice, over 12,000 prohibited firearms were successfully collected from businesses, and more than $22 million in compensation has been provided to these businesses.
Now, the program is opening to individual firearms owners.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Here are the critical dates you need to know:
Declaration Period: January 19, 2026 – March 31, 2026
If you own prohibited firearms and want compensation, you must declare them during this period. After March 31, 2026, declaration requests will no longer be processed.
Amnesty End Date: October 30, 2026
An amnesty has been in place since 2020, allowing impacted PAL holders to legally possess prohibited firearms. This amnesty is scheduled to end on October 30, 2026. All prohibited firearms and devices must be disposed of or permanently deactivated before this date.
Compliance Warning: If you remain in possession of an impacted firearm after October 30, 2026, you will be noncompliant with legislation.
How to Check If Your Firearm Is Prohibited
To determine if you own a prohibited firearm, search the list of 2,500 makes and models available at the official government website. The document states: “The list is available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/firearms-buyback.html“
This list includes specific makes and models, such as the AR-15, that were prohibited starting in May 2020.
How Compensation Works
According to the official notice, compensation will be determined primarily on a first-come, first-served basis. The amount you receive depends on two factors:
1. The date your declaration is submitted
2. The availability of Program funds at that time
The government webpage contains information on the list of eligible Assault-Style Firearms and their specific compensation amounts. However, submitting a declaration does not guarantee you will receive compensation.
To increase your likelihood of receiving compensation, you are encouraged to submit your declaration as early as possible during the January 19 – March 31, 2026 window.
Steps to Participate in the ASFCP
If you own one or more prohibited firearms and wish to participate:
1. Verify Your Firearm: Check the official list to confirm your firearm is prohibited
2. Declare During the Window: Submit your declaration between January 19 and March 31, 2026
3. Complete the Process: Visit the official website for declaration instructions and information
The declaration and additional program information are available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/firearms-buyback.html
For assistance, you can contact the ASFCP Contact Centre at 1-833-759-4551. If you need a paper declaration to apply by mail or require information in Indigenous languages (Mohawk, Anishinaabe, Inuktut, Cree, Algonquin, Dene, or Mi’kmaq), call this number.
Alternative Compliance Options
The notice emphasizes: “while the compensation program is voluntary, compliance with the law is not.” If you do not wish to return your firearm under the Program, alternative options are available before the amnesty period expires on October 30, 2026:
Option 1: Deactivation
Have the firearm deactivated at your own expense by a licensed business authorized to perform deactivations. Procedures for this option are available on the government website.
Option 2: Police Hand-in
Arrange with your local police to hand in your firearm. Note that there will be no compensation provided for this option.
Special Considerations for Certain Provinces
Firearms owners in Saskatchewan or Alberta should consult their provincial authorities for any additional laws or regulations that may impact participation in the ASFCP. This information is specifically noted in the official notice.
Program Transparency and Privacy
The Canadian Firearms Program emphasizes that it has not shared or disclosed any license holder names, addresses, or personal information with Public Safety Canada when facilitating this notification.
Firearms owners are encouraged to ensure their email address is up-to-date with the Canadian Firearms Program to receive direct program updates.
What This Means for License Holders
If you own prohibited firearms, you face a clear choice:
– Participate in the compensation program by declaring before March 31, 2026
– Choose an alternative compliance option (deactivation or police hand-in)
– Risk being noncompliant with the law after October 30, 2026
The program is voluntary, but compliance with the law is mandatory. All impacted firearms and devices must be disposed of or deactivated by the amnesty end date.
Getting More Information
For complete details about the ASFCP, including:
– The full list of eligible firearms and compensation amounts
– Other compliance options
– Amnesty Orders
– Declaration procedures
Visit the official government website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/firearms-buyback.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
According to the official notice, declaration requests will no longer be processed after March 31, 2026. If you want to receive compensation for your prohibited firearms, you must submit your declaration during the January 19 – March 31, 2026 window. Missing this deadline means you will not be eligible for compensation through the program.
No. The notice clearly states that if you arrange with your local police to hand in your firearm, there will be no compensation provided. Compensation is only available through the official ASFCP program during the declaration period.
The compensation program itself is voluntary. However, the notice emphasizes that “compliance with the law is not” voluntary. All prohibited firearms and devices must be disposed of or permanently deactivated by October 30, 2026. You can choose compensation, deactivation, or police hand-in, but keeping the firearm is not legal.
Not necessarily. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date of declaration and the availability of program funds. Submitting a declaration does not guarantee compensation. To increase your likelihood of receiving payment, submit your declaration as early as possible during the declaration period.
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Important Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general information based on the official notice from the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program dated January 20, 2026. This is not legal advice. For specific guidance about your situation, compliance requirements, or the ASFCP program, contact the ASFCP Contact Centre at 1-833-759-4551 or visit the official government website at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/firearms-buyback.html. Firearms laws are serious, and noncompliance can result in legal consequences.
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Related Resources
For more information about Canadian firearms regulations and licensing requirements, these resources may help:
Review the RCMP eligibility requirements
Learn about the RCMP firearms licence application process
Explore RCMP recruitment and policing careers
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Sources Referenced:
– Official notice from RCMP Canadian Firearms Program (CFP)/le Programme canadien des armes à feu (PCAF), dated January 20, 2026
– Government of Canada – Public Safety Canada – Firearms Buyback Campaign website
This article reflects current Canadian firearms law and RCMP Canadian Firearms Program guidance based on official government sources. Licensing and authorization decisions are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Chief Firearms Officer or the RCMP.
Sources:
Canadian Firearms Program | RCMP
Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance only. Firearms rules, prohibited models, and program requirements change. Confirm current requirements with the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program or your provincial Chief Firearms Officer before applying or transferring firearms.
