Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a declaration on September 21, 2026, titled Déclaration soulignant l'importance de renforcer le rachat et le retrait des armes de type d'assaut (Declaration on strengthening the buyback and removal of assault-style firearms). It does not amend a law or create a city program. Its stated goal is to press the federal government to complete a ban and remove these firearms from civilian circulation.
- Council expressed support for people killed or injured in mass shootings, their families, and others affected by their deaths.
- Council joined victims’ and survivors’ groups in saying weapons designed for war should not be in civilian hands.
- Council urged the Government of Canada to complete its promised ban, remove the firearms from civilian circulation, and limit access to high-capacity magazines as soon as possible.
What it means for you#
- Residents and firearm owners: The declaration does not itself change firearm laws, ownership rules, or access to magazines.
- Federal government: Council is urging federal action; the resolution does not require the federal government to act.
- City of Montréal: This is a statement of the city’s position, not a new service, buyback program, or enforcement power.
Money#
No cost information is in the available material.
- The resolution does not set aside money or describe a buyback’s costs.
What is unclear#
- What firearms or magazine capacities the requested federal measures would cover.
- How a buyback or removal process would work, who would pay, and when it would happen.
- The resolution does not set out how the federal government should implement the requested measures.
Case for#
- A possible argument for the declaration is that it publicly supports people affected by shootings and calls for steps council links to public safety.
- The resolution cites past mass shootings and shootings of police officers as reasons for urging the federal government to act.
Case against#
- The declaration does not itself change firearm laws or ensure that the federal government will take the requested action.
- It calls for quick action but does not specify the measures’ scope, process, timing, or cost.