Display at Northern Elite Firearms after gun ban. (Facebook/Northern Elite Firearms)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Possible Buyback Program

P.A. firearm shop against compensation from feds for banned guns, rather them be legal again

Apr 27, 2023 | 4:00 PM

The federal government is working on a way to compensate retailers who own weapons on the banned list, however, one business in Prince Albert isn’t a fan.

Heith Olmstead, the owner of Northern Elite Firearms, told paNOW his store has around $100,000 worth of firearms just taking up space in his storage. Despite this, he doesn’t want to give them up.

“I’d rather hold onto them than be compensated with our own tax dollars,” Olmstead said.

The Liberals banned around 1,500 models of firearms in 2020, shortly after the mass shooting in Nova Scotia which left 22 people dead. They’ve continued to state that the weapons on that list are not suitable for hunting.

However, Olmstead believes the ban is only hurting responsible gun owners.

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“I’d rather see Canadian citizens be able to purchase and enjoy (these) firearms,” he added.

Meanwhile, Wes Winkel, president of the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association, said the group wants to ensure firearms retailers “are informed of their options and receive their full compensation.”

He also explained that they continue to be against the ban and are only working with Ottawa because they have to. Winkel also believes it’ll likely be multiple years before retailers see any kind of compensation.

-With files from The Canadian Press

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow