Report: Gov't Docs Plan OiC Firearms Seizures To Begin On Prince Edward Island

A report from independent press outlet Blacklocks says impending firearms seizures will begin on Prince Edward Island.

Blacklocks' report is based on paperwork filed for the Minister of Public Works in August of 2022. The government memo said the firearms seizure related to May, 2020's Order in Council (which the government is calling a buyback) would start on PEI. This would serve as a sort of pilot program for the rest of the country. With the Island's small boundaries and low number of licenced firearms owners (around 6,000 PAL holders), government officials believe PEI would be a low-risk area to start the confiscations.

You can see Blacklocks' full story here (behind a paywall—and while the article seems somewhat confused on the implications and relevance of Bill C-21, it's probably worth subscribing, as Blacklocks is generally known for working hard to keep Ottawa honest).

After the seizures on PEI, the memo stated the program would continue elsewhere in Canada through spring of 2023.

Why PEI?

Prince Edward Island's Confederation Bridge (and, in summer, Wood Islands ferry) restrict traffic and make it easy for law enforcement to keep things buttoned down. A small land area and smaller number of PAL holders means fewer officers are needed for the confiscations, should door-to-door visits or even raids become necessary. However, it's worth noting that we still don't know who the federal government actually plans to use for any in-person removal of firearms banned by the May, 2020 Order in Council. Police forces, including the RCMP, have almost universally been reluctant to participate in this firearms seizure, and we can expect no different on PEI.

Also note that PEI's firearms office has an embarrassing history related to gun seizures. About a decade back, a photo surfaced showing the CFO's staff mugging for the camera with a truckload of firearms (see a CBC write-up here). This shot was supposedly taken for an internal gag photo for the Canadian Firearms Program, and at the time, the RCMP told the CBC "its message was not consistent with the mission, vision and values of the program." PEI's CFO at the time of the photo (Vivian Hayward, front and center), is no longer in that role, although she held it for several years after that was taken.