Important update for PAL holders.

Amnesty Orders Extension

Amnesty Orders for the 2020, 2024, and 2025 prohibitions are in place to protect businesses and individual owners from criminal liability while they take steps to comply with the law, such as participating in the compensation program or disposing of their prohibited firearms without compensation.

In March 2026, the Supreme Court of Canada agreed to hear an appeal challenging the May 2020 prohibition of assault-style firearms. In light of this, the Amnesty Orders have been extended and set to expire 90 days following the date the Supreme Court of Canada renders its decision, which is expected next year. By extending the amnesty period, the Government is providing certainty to individual owners and businesses that they will continue to be protected from criminal liability while the Supreme Court hears the appeal and renders its decision.

The Government of Canada is confident in the decision to prohibit assault-style firearms due to the risk they pose to public safety. The new expiry date for the Amnesty Orders does not impact the ASFCP, which is expected to be completed by October 2026. The program remains the only opportunity for firearm owners to receive compensation for their prohibited firearms.