Saskatchewan Firearms Office

The Government of Saskatchewan fully supports initiatives aimed at reducing the criminal use of illegal firearms, preventing gang violence and stopping the smuggling and sale of illegal firearms.

The buyback program will neither address the illegal firearms and street weapons used in violent crime nor enhance public safety. Instead, it targets rural, Indigenous and sport-shooting communities across Saskatchewan and Canada. Many of the firearms targeted by this program are hunting rifles and collector’s items.

The buyback is an extremely costly and ineffective use of taxpayer dollars. The federal government has allocated roughly $742 million for the buyback program overall. However, only $248.6 million will be available for compensation to seize roughly 136,000 prohibited firearms from individual firearms owners across Canada. As a result, the majority of firearms owners in Canada will not receive compensation for their legally owned and legally obtained property. The program will operate on a “first-come, first-served” basis, and the federal government has confirmed that registering in the portal will not guarantee compensation for firearms owners.

The federal government has indicated that Saskatchewan firearms owners may not be eligible to receive compensation due to legislation that has been introduced in the province. However, there is nothing in our legislation that prevents Saskatchewan firearms owners from participating in the federal buyback program.

The Saskatchewan Firearms Amendment Act, 2026, is now in force, allowing Saskatchewan firearms owners and businesses to apply for certificates of exemption and continue possessing and storing their lawfully-owned, but now prohibited, firearms on behalf of the province. This Act is designed to help protect Saskatchewan residents and allow them to receive the compensation they are owed by the federal government.

The Firearms Verification and Appraisal (FVA) Service is part of the Government of Saskatchewan's response to the federal firearms buyback program. The FVA service, which is operated by the Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO), will:

• let individuals know if their firearms are affected by federal legislation or bans;
• provide appraisals (known as certificates of value) for all firearms and non-transferable ammunition and accessories impacted by federal firearms bans and legislation;
• provide certificates of exemption to eligible firearms owners; and
• offer storage solutions to firearms owners for their prohibited firearms to ensure compliance with federal legislation after the amnesty ends on October 30, 2026.

To learn more, visit the Firearms Verification and Appraisal Service page.

Licensing

A Possession and Acquisition Licence is required for anyone who owns or would like to acquire a firearm or purchase ammunition.

The following links will help you navigate to the appropriate licence you'll need:

• Canadian residents
• Non-residents
• Minors
• Indigenous Peoples
• Target shooters
• Collectors
• Business licensing
• Licence renewals

Firearm Deactivations
Businesses that can deactivate firearms in Saskatchewan.

Registration
Find information about the types of firearms and firearm registration requirements for restricted and prohibited firearms.

Shooting Clubs and Ranges
Find information on design guidelines and sound requirements.

Importing and Exporting
Find information on importing and exporting firearms into and outside of Canada.

Stolen Firearms Search
You can check whether a firearm has been reported as stolen by entering the serial number into a public search.

Further firearms-related information is available through the RCMP.

The Saskatchewan Firearms Office continues to raise public awareness to promote firearms safety in the province. The goal is to promote safe practices while using and storing firearms, as well as getting and maintaining your Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL/RPAL), to help prevent accidents and mitigate loss or theft.

More information on firearms safety training and safety practices is also available.

Firearms Safety Tips

It is important to store your firearms safely to prevent accidents and deter loss or theft. It is also required by law.

Unload and Lock Your Firearms

• Ensure firearms are unloaded at all times when stored.

• Lock firearms in a cabinet, safe or room that was built or modified specifically to store firearms safely (and is difficult to break into); or attach a secure locking device, such as a trigger lock or cable lock (or remove the bolt), to ensure the firearms cannot be fired.

• Store ammunition separately or lock it up. It can be stored in the same locked gun cabinet/safe as the firearms only if they are securely locked and the container is constructed, so that it cannot be readily broken into.

• Ensure unauthorized individuals do not have access to the keys or combination locks used to lock up your firearms and ammunition unless they are permitted and licensed.

Firearm Safety Tips While Travelling

Many responsible firearms owners in Saskatchewan enjoy hunting or travelling to other destinations for reasons that require them to bring their firearms.

The Saskatchewan Firearms Office and law enforcement agencies advise firearms owners to be vigilant about not leaving firearms in an unattended vehicle or location, such as a hotel room, where they may be targeted by individuals who recognize the potential to take firearms and divert them towards illegal activities.

Make suitable arrangements with your accommodations provider to store your firearms in a place where they can be properly secured. Take into account that they must have a secure locking device in place when not in use, as well as any other storage requirements depending on the class of the firearms being stored.

When stopping for services such as restaurants and gas stations along the way, someone should stay with the vehicle, or park it in a location where it can be easily observed by you or others travelling with you. Always ensure the firearms are unloaded, secured and out of sight.

As responsible firearms owners, it is important to continue to do our part to prevent firearms from getting diverted and used illegally.