You May Not Like Guns—but You Should Still Care About the Supreme Court Firearms Case

New federal regulations in 2020, initially banning 1,500 and later increasing to 2,500 “military-style assault weapons,” have created widespread confusion about legal firearms. The government argues the “Firearms Reference Table” is an administrative list, not binding legislation. However, this is being challenged in the Supreme Court by appellants, including provincial Attorneys General and the Canadian Constitution Foundation.

• Federal regulations issued in 2020 banned 1,500 military-style assault weapons, later increased to 2,500.
• There is widespread confusion and uncertainty regarding which firearms are legal or illegal.
• The government claims the “Firearms Reference Table” is an administrative list, not binding legislation.
• Appellants are challenging the 2020 regulations in the Supreme Court, supported by intervenors including the Canadian Constitution Foundation and Attorneys General of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Ontario.