Provinces Challenge Federal Firearms Ban at Supreme Court

Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are challenging the federal government’s 2020 firearm prohibition at the Supreme Court of Canada. The provinces argue that the ban, which targeted around 1,500 firearm models, exceeded Ottawa’s authority and failed to adequately consider legitimate hunting and sport shooting purposes. The core of the legal battle lies in whether the cabinet’s authority to prohibit firearms can override provisions protecting those considered reasonable for hunting or sporting activities.

• Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are challenging the federal government’s 2020 firearm ban at the Supreme Court of Canada.
• The provinces contend that Ottawa exceeded its authority by prohibiting hundreds of firearm models.
• Lawyers for the provinces argued that the ban did not sufficiently consider legitimate hunting and sport shooting.
• The Supreme Court justices questioned the balance between these activities and public safety concerns.
• The case focuses on Section 117.15(2) of the Criminal Code, which limits the cabinet’s power to prohibit firearms suitable for hunting or sport.
• Appellants seek to overturn lower court decisions that upheld the ban on approximately 1,500 firearm models, including AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14.
• The list of prohibited firearms has since expanded to over 2,500 varieties deemed “assault-style” by Ottawa.