Yukon’s justice minister has presented a new bill aimed at safeguarding the rights of firearm owners in the region. Minister Laura Lang unveiled the Yukon Firearms Act in the Legislative Assembly, proposing the establishment of an independent firearms advocate to ensure the representation of Yukon’s firearm owners.
According to Lang, firearms play a crucial role in northern life and should be supported rather than penalized. The legislation is a direct response to the federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program, which involved the buyback of prohibited firearms from owners. Since 2020, over 2,500 models of assault-style firearms have been banned in Canada, with 135 firearms in Yukon declared under the federal buyback program as of June.
The territorial government had previously urged the federal government to exempt the territories from the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program, considering the unique northern context. Lang emphasized her government’s commitment to enhancing community safety but criticized the federal compensation program for targeting responsible firearm owners and undermining their rights and way of life.
Under the proposed Yukon Firearms Act, an appointed advocate would advise the territorial government on federal firearms legislation’s impact, advocate for Yukon gun owners, and promote public safety regarding firearm ownership and usage. The advocate, an independent government agent, would serve a term of up to two years and submit annual reports to the minister.
The role of the advocate is envisioned as a primary contact point for firearm owners, businesses, and organizations to address concerns, questions, or suggestions. Public feedback was solicited during the summer to shape the Yukon Firearms Act and define the advocate’s responsibilities. A report summarizing this feedback revealed mixed sentiments, with 53.7% conditionally supportive and 28.4% strongly opposed to the advocate role.
Opponents expressed concerns about the allocation of public funds for the advocate’s office and questioned its necessity and effectiveness. Some suggested reframing the position to focus on advocating for victims of domestic violence or firearms-related harms. The Yukon Firearms Act is pending approval in the Legislative Assembly.
