Cost for federal gun buyback scheme rises again without any guns actually bought

OTTAWA, ON: Federal spending for consultation on the gun buyback scheme is already rising, according to records obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

“We’re already seeing costs go higher and the government hasn’t bought back a single gun,” said Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director with the CTF. “The gun buyback won’t make Canadians safer, but it has all the makings of another big taxpayer boondoggle.”

Last December, the Department of Public Safety handed a contract to IBM Canada to help develop the firearms buyback framework, at a total estimated cost of over $1.1 million.

By May, the total estimated cost had jumped to just over $1.5 million after several contract amendments.

The department said the original contract given to IBM included optional services, which could increase the value of the contract up to $395,600. Public Safety decided to ask for those services.

The government has yet to buy back any guns and the program remains under development.

“The gun buyback is an expensive program that won’t keep Canadians safe,” said Terrazzano. “The feds need to scrap the gun ban and buyback, because we don’t need another ineffective policy and taxpayers can’t afford to waste more money.”