Saskatchewan gun owners are being reminded they must comply with federal rules on prohibited assault-style firearms (ASFs), despite recent provincial legislation proposing a “certificate of exemption” for some owners.

Since 2020, about 2,500 ASFs have been prohibited in Canada. These include semi-automatic rifles with high-capacity magazines and other tactical or military-style features, as well as large-calibre sniper rifles and firearms capable of firing 20 mm or larger projectiles.

The province announced this week that owners could soon apply for exemptions to continue storing and possessing some firearms. In response, the federal government said these proposed amendments do not change the obligation of law-abiding firearms owners to follow federal law.

Owners must still declare prohibited firearms through the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) by the end of the national declaration period, March 31, 2026.

An amnesty period runs until Oct. 30, 2026, allowing owners to surrender prohibited firearms without criminal liability. Those who do not participate must dispose of or permanently deactivate their firearms by that date, or risk criminal charges and loss of their possession and acquisition licence (PAL).

The ASFCP operates nationwide, including Saskatchewan, with collection through local police, the RCMP, or secure mobile units. Public Safety Canada encourages provincial cooperation to ensure all owners can access the program.