Alberta government moves to protect law-abiding gun owners
ECHO STAFF
Alberta’s government plans to introduce a motion under the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act aimed at defending law-abiding firearms owners.
If passed by the legislature, the motion would direct all provincial entities, including municipal police services and the RCMP, to refuse enforcement or implementation of the federal gun seizure program. It also emphasizes that Albertans have the right to use reasonable force to defend themselves, their families, and their homes from intruders.
The initiative builds on previous provincial efforts to regulate firearms and strengthen public safety, including the Alberta Firearms Act, the Alberta Firearms Regulation, and the Seizure Agent and Provider Licensing Regulation, which together established the Alberta Chief Firearms Office.
Premier Danielle Smith said the motion is a response to what she called federal overreach. “Albertans have the right to protect their homes and their families. No one should hesitate to defend themselves when faced with a threat at their own doorway,” Smith said. “Law-abiding citizens, hunters, farmers and sport shooters are not the source of violent crime, yet the federal government wants to confiscate their property while illegal guns pour across our borders.”
Justice Minister Mickey Amery added that the province is making clear that lawful, reasonable self-defence will be respected. “When someone breaks into your home, the law recognizes that you have enhanced rights to protect yourself and your family,” he said.
Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis noted that illegal guns, not licensed owners, are the main source of gun crime. “The federal government should help us strengthen the border, helping us to stop illegal guns from coming into Canada. This would further enhance safety and security for the people of Alberta and Canada, as opposed to going after lawful gun owners,” he said.
Under the Alberta Firearms Regulation, municipalities, law enforcement agencies and police commissions must obtain approval from the province’s justice minister before accepting funding for the federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program, which is expected to cost more than $750 million.
Alberta Chief Firearms Officer Teri Bryant said federal bans and orders in recent years have hurt legitimate firearms activities without reducing crime. “I am proud to see that the Alberta government is pushing back and supporting lawful firearms owners through these measures,” Bryant said.
Advocates praised the move. Tracey Wilson, vice-president of public relations for the Canadian Coalition for Firearms Rights, said the government is focused on protecting law-abiding citizens while prioritizing public safety. Robert Gruszecki, president of the Alberta Hunter Education Instructors’ Association, highlighted the role of safety training and education in promoting responsible firearm use.
Key figures show that about 10 per cent of adult Albertans are licensed to use and own firearms, with 381,900 firearms licences currently active in the province. Alberta has 638 licensed firearms businesses, 138 shooting ranges, and 91 shooting clubs.
The motion references the Alberta Bill of Rights, the Constitution Act of 1867, and the Criminal Code. Alberta prosecutors have been directed not to pursue charges under the federal gun seizure program or for home defence offences when it is not in the public interest.