In partnership with
By Donald Shapiro (satirical take on Ben Shapiro)
Introduction: The Minister Who Doesn’t Know His Guns
Canada’s Public Safety Minister, Gary Anandasangaree, recently admitted in Parliament he doesn’t have a gun license, can’t explain the RPAL, and is clueless about firearm classifications. This isn’t a sitcom plot—taxpayers are funding a man who doesn’t know the tools he’s regulating. Welcome to the Liberal government’s latest comedy of errors.
But first a word from today’s sponsor:
If you work in fintech or finance, you already have too many tabs open and not enough time.
Fintech Takes is the free newsletter senior leaders actually read. Each week, we break down the trends, deals, and regulatory moves shaping the industry — and explain why they matter — in plain English.
No filler, no PR spin, and no “insights” you already saw on LinkedIn eight times this week. Just clear analysis and the occasional bad joke to make it go down easier.
Get context you can actually use. Subscribe free and see what’s coming before everyone else.
The $742 Million Buyback Fiasco: Political Theater Over Public Safety
The Liberal government launched a $742 million gun buyback program targeting banned assault-style firearms. The program started with a voluntary pilot in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, aiming to collect 200 banned guns and test the system before a full national rollout in 2026. The Minister himself leaked doubts about the program's enforcement, stating local police lack resources to make it effective and admitting it exists more due to political pressure—especially from Quebec—than practical public safety reasons.
Minister’s Admitted Ignorance: A Comedy of Errors
If you thought it couldn’t get worse, the minister openly admitted he doesn’t know basic gun terminology or hold a firearms license—critical for executing gun control policy. Leaked tapes reveal he questioned the program's logic, called it "misguided," and said he would redo it differently if given a chance. Yet, he is stubbornly committed to pushing this initiative forward, putting politics ahead of common sense.
Political Fallout and Opposition Outcry
The Conservative opposition, led by Pierre Poilievre, has called for Anandasangaree’s firing over his incompetence and the program’s glaring flaws. The government faces criticism for wasting taxpayer money on a program that critics say won’t reduce illegal firearms, which mostly enter Canada from the U.S. Despite this, Prime Minister Mark Carney defends the minister and continues to champion the buyback as a necessary campaign promise.
What Consumers, Economists, Marketers, and Investors Need to Know
Consumers should not expect safer streets anytime soon because the buyback program relies on voluntary returns and minimal enforcement resources.
Economists can see this as a textbook case of inefficient government spending where political pressure overrides effective policy.
Marketers should note the fallout from poor communication and lack of expertise, reminding them how badly leadership failures can damage brand reputation.
Investors should be wary of policy instability in the public safety domain, which can undermine business confidence in regulatory predictability.
Conclusion: When Politics Trump Common Sense
Canada’s gun control plan has devolved into a theatrical fiasco starring a clueless minister pushing a largely ineffective program. It is a costly political box-checking exercise that leaves citizens vulnerable and taxpayers footing the bill. This saga reminds us how dangerous it is when governance is outsourced to incompetence masquerading as commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Canadian gun buyback program?
A: It’s a federally funded voluntary program compensating owners of banned assault-style firearms to turn in their guns. It started with a pilot in Nova Scotia and plans a national rollout in 2026.
Q: How much money is allocated for this buyback?
A: The government set aside $742 million for the buyback program for individual firearm owners.
Q: Why is the program controversial?
A: Critics say it’s politically motivated, poorly enforced, and unlikely to reduce illegal guns, many of which come from the U.S. The Public Safety Minister’s admitted ignorance worsens public trust.
Q: Does the Public Safety Minister have a gun license?
A: No. He publicly admitted in Parliament and private recordings that he does not hold a firearms license and lacks familiarity with basic gun policy terms.
Q: What do opposition parties say about the program?
A: Conservatives demand the minister’s removal and argue the buyback wastes taxpayer money that should address border security and illegal firearm trafficking.