Timmins police opt out of federal assault-style firearms compensation program

The Timmins Police Service will not take part in the federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program, a Public Safety Canada program that pays eligible businesses and individuals who surrender prohibited assault-style firearms. Police announced the decision Feb. 3.

The compensation program remains available through the federal government, but municipal police participation is voluntary. Timmins police said its decision means it will not act as a local participant in the compensation program.

In a statement, the service cited resource limitations, competing operational priorities, and what it described as a lack of a clear operational framework for municipal police roles and responsibilities.

Chief of Police Syd Lecky said the service will continue to focus on frontline response, crime prevention, holding offenders accountable, and supporting victims.

Timmins police said it will continue to accept voluntary firearm surrenders from the public for safe disposal under existing procedures, but no compensation will be provided through the police service.

Questions about eligibility and compensation under the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program are handled by Public Safety Canada, according to the Timmins Police Service.