Ontario Premier Rejects Federal Gun Buyback Program, Calls for Focus on Criminals Instead Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his opposition to the federal gun buyback program, stating his belief that it will not enhance public safety and represents a misuse of funds. He urged the federal government to redirect its efforts towards addressing illegally obtained firearms and reforming the bail system to improve street safety. The federal buyback program, which commenced on January 19th with a budget exceeding $700 million, aims to reduce gun crime by compensating individuals for voluntarily surrendering specific types of firearms.

• Ontario Premier Doug Ford opposes the federal gun buyback program.
• Ford believes the program is a waste of money and will not increase safety.
• He calls for federal focus on illegal firearms and bail reform.
• The federal gun buyback program launched nationwide on January 19th.
• The program has a budget of over $700 million.
• Its goal is to compensate owners for voluntarily surrendering “assault-style” rifles.