Montreal mayor supports Polytechnique survivors’ call for complete assault weapon ban

Montreal Mayor Joins Advocacy Group in Call for Comprehensive Gun Ban Before Federal Buyback Program

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has voiced her support for a gun control advocacy group urging the federal government to finalize a comprehensive list of banned assault-style firearms ahead of the implementation of a national buyback program.

On Tuesday, Plante stood alongside PolySeSouvient, an organization representing survivors and families of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, during a press conference at Montreal City Hall.

“I’m confident that the federal government has everything it needs to do what they said they would last year … and put all the assault weapons on the list in order to complete the buyback program,” Plante stated. She emphasized the importance of federal action, adding, “There’s no magic solution; there must be various government initiatives, and this is one only the federal government can achieve.”

Concerns Over Incomplete List

PolySeSouvient, which met with federal Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc a year ago, noted that while progress has been made, approximately 450 assault-style firearms remain unaddressed. These include slight variations of models banned in May 2020 following the Nova Scotia mass shooting that claimed 23 lives.

The group stressed the need to update the list before the buyback program begins, warning of potential loopholes. Nathalie Provost, a survivor of the École Polytechnique shooting that killed 14 women, expressed concern that individuals might exploit the program.

“If you begin a buyback program with an incomplete list, it’s kind of a waste because people will be able to take back their money and buy new assault-style weapons,” Provost explained.

Timeline for Federal Buyback

The federal government banned over 1,500 firearm models in 2020 and plans to initiate the buyback program in two phases: first targeting retail stores and later extending to individual owners by next year. Gabriel Brunet, a spokesperson for Minister LeBlanc, confirmed that approximately 2,000 firearm models would be included in the compensation program, with a deadline set for October 31, 2025, when the current amnesty order expires.

“Owners and businesses will be fairly compensated for their firearms. However, those who choose not to participate must make the weapons inoperable by the deadline or face criminal liability,” Brunet stated.

Advocacy for a Comprehensive Ban

PolySeSouvient continues to advocate for a broader, permanent ban to prevent manufacturers from creating new models that bypass existing regulations.

Heidi Rathjen, the group’s coordinator, highlighted the adaptability of the firearms industry. “The industry does adapt, and that’s why we need a permanent ban on assault weapons. They will specifically design weapons to circumvent the criteria that exist,” Rathjen said.

The group is counting on Minister LeBlanc to issue a second order-in-council to ensure all assault-style weapons are included in the buyback program.

Upcoming Memorial

Next month marks the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre, a tragic event that remains a pivotal moment in Canada’s gun control debate.