The Dec 5th prohibition of 324 makes/models of sporting firearms, via Order in Council, is strictly targeting lawful firearms businesses and their consumers. This decision, announced just weeks before Christmas, delivers yet another devastating blow to Canada’s hunting, shooting, and firearms industry; all of which are already grappling with economic challenges.
This prohibition is devastating for all businesses in the firearm industry, with no benefit to public safety. With gun crime skyrocketing, Law Enforcement agencies have voiced concerns that the majority of firearms used in crime are smuggled into, and not legally acquired within Canada. These bans target responsible businesses and lawful owners while failing to address the root causes of gun crime.
One manufacturer has been particularly hard-hit, losing 98% of their business with the most recent announcement, which supported seven employees and their families. This is not an isolated case. Gun stores and shooting ranges are closing across the country; unable to survive the financial strain and downturn in clientele caused by these sudden and unanticipated bans.
Banning 324 makes/models of widely popular sporting rifles has left retailers with tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of unsellable inventory. While distributors and manufacturers face losses in the hundreds of thousands to millions. These are businesses that form the backbone of their communities, supporting Canadian families and contributing to local economies.
The ripple effect of these prohibitions extends far beyond firearms themselves, impacting related industries and product categories such as accessories, ammunition, and optics. The financial burden on these businesses is immense, and there is no viable way to fully compensate for their losses. This destabilization of the industry is occurring during an already challenging economic period, with high inflation, weak currency, and rising operational costs.
Rather than enhancing public safety, these bans punish both industry and law-abiding Canadians, jeopardizing livelihoods of countless workers and business owners. Without meaningful action to address the true sources of crime, these measures will only continue to erode trust and devastate these small businesses that are essential to Canada’s healthy firearm culture, as well as the economic landscape.
This decision is a blatant reminder of the government’s disregard for evidence-based policy, choosing instead to prioritize political optics and urban votes over public safety and economic stability. The impact on businesses, employees, and their families is immeasurable, and the consequences will be felt for years to come.
Contact:
Jenn McDonald, Managing Director, CSAAA
[email protected] | 705-875-2302
