Danielle Smith on Gun Control
TL;DR
Danielle Smith strongly opposes federal firearm confiscation, vowing to use provincial authority to obstruct the federal gun grab program.
Key Points
Her government has instructed all levels of policing in Alberta, including the RCMP, not to participate in federal firearm confiscation without provincial Justice Minister approval.
She is exploring using provincial constitutional authority to establish a licensing scheme allowing law-abiding Albertans to keep firearms targeted by the federal buyback.
The Premier stated in mid-2025 that her government would be as obstructionist as possible against the federal government's firearm confiscation program.
Summary
Danielle Smith, the Premier of Alberta, has taken a strong stance opposing the federal government's firearm ban and confiscation program, framing it as federal overreach that targets law-abiding owners. Her government has announced directives aimed at countering the federal plan, including instructing municipal police forces, the RCMP, and local governments not to participate in enforcing the confiscation without permission from the provincial Justice Minister. Furthermore, the province is exploring legislative measures, potentially under its constitutional authority over property and civil rights, to create a provincial licensing scheme to allow Albertans who acquired firearms legally to continue to own and use them.
Her administration’s approach is characterized by active obstructionism towards the federal initiative, with the Premier stating the intention to be as obstructionist as possible against what she views as an ineffective and costly policy. The province is examining the requirements for participation in the federal program, suggesting administrative barriers could delay or prevent implementation for years. This position is also tied to her broader commitment to protect firearms owners, with her government backing amendments to Alberta's Bill of Rights to secure these property rights against federal infringement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Danielle Smith's position is one of strong opposition to the federal government's firearm confiscation program, which she views as an infringement on the property rights of law-abiding citizens. She has pledged to use the power of the Alberta government to resist the federal plan actively. Her administration's strategy focuses on creating administrative and legislative hurdles to prevent enforcement within the province.
The provided information suggests a consistent, strong opposition to the current federal gun control measures, particularly the mandatory buyback. Her rhetoric focuses on defending the rights of existing firearms owners against federal measures she deems ineffective and costly. There is no direct evidence of a contradictory past position, only a firm stance against federal action.
Danielle Smith stated that her government would be as obstructionist as possible regarding the federal firearm confiscation. She announced that law enforcement within Alberta has been instructed not to enforce the program without a permit from her Justice Minister. The province is also working to implement administrative delays that could take years to meet certification requirements for participation.
Sources4
Danielle Smith: Firearms Owners Will Be Protected under Bill of Rights
Alberta Government Responds to Firearms News Inquiry Regarding Ottawa Gun Grab
Canada's Big Ugly Gun Grab: An Update
Alberta to present motion against federal firearm 'seizure' program: Smith | CBC News : r/alberta
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.