Focus Remains on Frontline Policing Amid National Gun Compensation Effort
THUNDER BAY – NEWS — The federal government’s Assault-Style Firearm Compensation Program, launched nationwide on January 19, 2026, has seen a patchwork of responses from police services across Canada — and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS) has confirmed it will not be participating.
Citing resource limitations and operational priorities, the SSMPS joins other Ontario police services in opting out of the voluntary program.
“With resource constraints and competing operational responsibilities in mind, the SSMPS will continue to focus its efforts on frontline policing, preventing crime, and supporting victims,” said Chief Brent Duguay.
Federal Program, Local Discretion
The compensation initiative is part of the federal government’s larger firearm reform strategy aimed at removing prohibited assault-style weapons from civilian ownership. While the program is federally administered, participation from municipal police services is entirely optional — a key point emphasized by departments choosing not to engage.
The program allows owners of banned firearms to voluntarily surrender them in exchange for government compensation. However, in places like Sault Ste. Marie, local police will not be collecting these firearms directly.
Implications for Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario
While the decision is rooted in local operational realities, it signals a broader trend among smaller urban police forces balancing limited budgets with federal expectations.
Thunder Bay Police Service has not yet issued a public statement regarding its involvement, but the SSMPS’s move may foreshadow similar choices among Northern Ontario forces.
Voluntary Surrenders Still Accepted
Despite non-participation in the federal compensation program, the SSMPS continues to accept voluntary firearm surrenders for safe disposal — a long-standing practice aimed at reducing the number of unwanted or unsecured weapons in homes.
Residents wishing to surrender a firearm for disposal — not related to the compensation program — can contact the service at (705) 949-6300 or visit saultpolice.ca/firearm-safety.
