Supreme Court hears challenge to federal assault-style firearms ban

OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada began hearing arguments Monday in a major legal challenge to the federal government’s prohibition of more than 2,500 models and variants of assault-style firearms, reopening a contentious national debate over gun control, public safety and the limits of federal authority.

The two-day hearings, scheduled for November 9 and 10, involve several firearms owners and advocacy organizations, including the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, who argue that Ottawa exceeded its legal powers when it introduced the restrictions.

The prohibition was initially implemented by the Trudeau government in May 2020, covering approximately 1,500 firearm models and variants, including the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14. The list has since expanded considerably.

Opponents maintain that many prohibited firearms were previously used legally for hunting and recreational shooting. They argue that federal regulations improperly restricted activities recognized under Canadian law and imposed significant consequences on lawful firearm owners.

Federal lawyers counter that the government acted within its authority and that the restrictions were justified by concerns about the weapons’ potential lethality and their use in mass shootings.

The Federal Court upheld the prohibition in 2023, and the Federal Court of Appeal rejected a subsequent challenge in April 2025.

The federal government has extended the firearms amnesty period until 90 days after the Supreme Court delivers its ruling, which is expected in 2027.

The eventual decision could have significant implications for federal gun-control policy and the government’s authority to prohibit firearms through regulation.