Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says he remains committed to moving ahead with the gun buyback program and admits his leaked remarks were poorly chosen. CTV
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he still trusts Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. The minister faces pressure after audio surfaced of him questioning the federal gun buyback program he leads.
“I have confidence in the minister, he is doing important work,” Carney told reporters in New York. He added that the government is keeping its promise with the buyback plan.
Leaked Audio Spurs Outcry
This week, an audio recording surfaced. The recording captures a private conversation between Anandasangaree and his tenant. In it, he expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the buyback plan. He also offered to pay someone the difference between what the government would offer and what they originally paid for a now‑banned firearm.
He said the Prime Minister supports the program to win favour in Quebec.
Anandasangaree claims he didn’t know the conversation was being recorded.
Minister Defends Himself
In a televised interview, the minister said he still backs the program. He acknowledged some of his comments were “misguided.” He asked the public to understand the remarks came from a private conversation and shouldn’t be taken too literally.
As for calls to resign, he said, “I’m absolutely resolved to implement and bring forward this program to Canadians.”
He told the interviewer he would have approached the program differently but stressed that doesn’t mean he opposes it.
Program Launches in Nova Scotia
On Tuesday, the government launched a pilot version of the buyback plan in Nova Scotia. Full implementation is planned later this fall.
The plan allows individuals and businesses to receive compensation for firearms on the banned list. Business buybacks already operate; the expansion brings individuals into it.
Since May 2020, the government has set aside $742 million for this initiative. It has also banned more than 2,000 “assault-style” firearm models and variants as part of its effort to curb gun violence.
Political Fallout
Opponents are calling for Anandasangaree’s removal. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the minister’s competence. He pointed to the minister’s leaked remarks and claimed many Canadians feel unsafe under his watch.
“It’s time the Prime Minister do the only thing that will secure our country and fire this incompetent Minister,” Poilievre demanded in Parliament.
Anandasangaree responded by insisting the plan isn’t just a move for politics. He said Quebec is important, but the program is national in scope. He emphasized Canada must confront gun violence and protect citizens across every province.
Earlier in the interview, when asked if people should trust the buyback, he said the program “is part of a multi‑pronged approach.” He also said he didn’t call the program ineffective — only that he might have handled it differently.
