The Government of Saskatchewan has applied to intervene in the ongoing legal challenges to the federal firearms ban currently before the Federal Court of Appeal.
Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre expressed confidence in the case’s merits, citing administrative and constitutional grounds. The original challenges, heard in Ottawa in April 2023, were dismissed by the Federal Court of Canada on October 30, prompting appeals from four applicants, including the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights.
Eyre highlighted concerns about the federal ban, which covers up to 1,800 ‘variants,’ asserting it conflicts with sections of the Criminal Code allowing firearms for hunting or sporting purposes. Saskatchewan has been firm in its opposition to the ban, with the government emphasizing responsible firearms ownership through The Saskatchewan Firearms Act.
The province has allocated around $8.9 million in the 2023-24 budget to the Saskatchewan Firearms Office, supporting enforcement, police investigations, and firearms safety education.