Transition Binder: Firearms Program Branch Overview
Branch Overview
The Firearms Program Branch (FPB) provides strategic advice, oversight, and direction on the design, development, implementation and ongoing management of the Assault Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) – formerly referred to as the "Buyback Program".
The FPB is composed of four directorates:
- Phase 1 – Operations and Implementation
- Phase 2 - Program Design and Implementation
- Policy, Engagement, Governance, and Communications
- Program Planning and Implementation
These divisions report to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Firearms Program Branch. The ASFCP is divided into two Phases: Phase 1 for collection and destruction of, and compensation for, Assault-Style Firearms (ASFs) from businesses; and Phase 2 for individuals.
The FPB is expanding its capacity to advance and launch the ASFCP, having secured funding and policy authority for Phase 1 and 2, and is currently increasing operational capacity for Phase 1 to launch in late November 2024 and Phase 2 in 2025. Currently the FPB has 96 employees (of all tenures) [REDACTED] Additionally, the Program may return to request more personnel if it is determined necessary. Currently, of the 96 employees, 39 are indeterminate while the remainder are a combination of secondment, assignments, terms, casuals, students and free agents. The 39 indeterminate employees will be supported to find positions within Public Safety when the Program sunsets.
Key Files and Responsibilities
Assault Style Firearm Compensation Program
The Prime Minister has given the Minister a clear mandate to make it mandatory for owners to dispose of their ASFs, including surrendering them for compensation or having them rendered inoperable at the government's expense. The 2021 Speech from the Throne reaffirmed the Government of Canada's resolve to do more to keep Canadians safe from gun crime, which included implementing the ASFCP. An Amnesty is in place until October 30, 2025, to protect lawful firearms owners and businesses from criminal liability for illegal possession and to allow them time to come into compliance with the law.
The total number of impacted ASFs is estimated to be approximately 144,000. This figure is an estimate as only some of the firearms were previously restricted, and therefore registered with the Canadian Firearms Program, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Industry estimates are much higher at 518,000.
Program design involves a hybrid implementation model, with the RCMP and provincial/municipal police collecting, and in some cases destroying, ASFs in their areas of service, while business partners will assist in the transporting and destruction of ASFs. At the same time, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is supporting the development of IM/IT solutions for Phase 2 of the Program. Given this distributed approach, the Branch is engaging with provinces, territories and municipalities, and industry, to secure their participation and make certain that the ASFCP is implemented in a safe and efficient manner.
Responsibilities
Launching and completing Phase 1 between November 2024 and April 2025 is one of the FPB's short-term priorities. For Phase 2, the program's overarching architecture and design are being finalized, and the necessary agreements with partners are being secured in order to build, launch, and deliver the program. [REDACTED]
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Below are more details on the responsibilities of each directorate.
Phase 1 – Operations and Implementation
This Directorate is responsible for designing the overall program architecture, including process mapping and development for delivering the ASFCP to businesses related to Phase 1 of the Program. The Directorate liaises with multiple partners on Information Management and Information Technology solutions, including PS's Chief Information Officer, Shared Services Canada (SSC), and the Treasury Board Secretariat, on IM/IT businesses analysis. The Division works closely with the RCMP in designing the program, with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in the establishment of a call centre and payments processes for the program, and with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) for all procurement activities.
Phase 2 – Program Design and Implementation
This Directorate is responsible for building on the work from Phase 1 to design the Program for Phase 2, with a major focus on identifying additional architectural needs of the IM/IT solution in order to accommodate the delivery of the ASFCP to individuals, who hold more firearms than businesses and are more geographically dispersed. The Directorate is also responsible for ensuring that the Case Management System Business Requirements are integrated with the Chief Information Officer Branch CMS Design and Testing Team. Key activities are Establishment and Approval of Charter, Scope, Design and Build Business Requirements, User Acceptance Testing and Roll-Out Phase Plan.
Policy, Governance, Engagement and Communications Directorate
The Policy Division is responsible for identifying and seeking the necessary authorities to implement the ASFCP. Key functions include leading the development of Memorandum to Cabinet and Treasury Board Submissions, budget and off-cycle Budget requests, developing briefing material for senior executives, advising and supporting senior executives on external engagement, as well as maintaining relationships with Central Agencies.
The Governance and Engagement Division is responsible for supporting the FPB governance committees in a Secretariat capacity and coordinating all engagement, communication and outreach efforts for the program respectively, including discussions centred on the [REDACTED]
Program Planning and Implementation Office
The Program Planning and Implementation Office is responsible for coordinating general program operations and providing a holistic portrayal of status and key risks to decision makers. This Directorate ensures that all elements of the program for both Phases 1 and 2 are being advanced and implemented in a timely and effective manner. Key functions of the Directorate include setting milestones and schedules as well as dashboarding and reporting on program implementation and operations. The Directorate is equally responsible for designing and implementing an internal audit and reporting framework. In addition, the Directorate manages the various contractors and consultants hired to assist in the design, development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the ASFCP.
Key Partners
The FPB works with a variety of partners to achieve its mandate commitment. The FPB works with the RCMP, ESDC, PSPC and SSC on program design, development and implementation.
The FPB has collaborated with international partners, including the New Zealand Police, to inform program design development and apply lessons learned from their program experience. The FPB is currently working with provinces, municipalities and police communities to seek partnerships for program implementation. All activities related to the Program are the responsibility of the RCMP. PS has also worked with businesses to finalize the business compensation model and is currently working to establish partnerships with private sector implementation partners to assist or lead in the collection, transportation, validation and destruction of ASFs for Phase 2.
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