Alberta won't participate in Ottawa's firearm buyback program, affecting options for local gun owners.

Alberta has legislated it will not enforce or participate in the federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program; residents can still submit declarations by March 31, but compensation depends on provincial cooperation.

Alberta's government has passed legislation refusing to participate in or enforce the federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program. The federal program lets gun owners declare prohibited firearms and seek compensation; the declaration deadline is March 31 and the amnesty for possession ends on Oct. 30. Provincial officials say they will not spend Alberta taxpayer dollars on the program and will not direct local law enforcement to take part. Key facts: - Alberta passed a December motion refusing to participate in or enforce the ASFCP and will not have local police take part. - The federal declaration deadline for interested gun owners is March 31, and the possession amnesty runs until Oct. 30. - Public Safety Canada has said Albertans who declare would not be eligible for compensation unless provincial authorities allow the program to operate locally. - Residents can still submit federal declarations, surrender firearms to police without compensation, or have firearms decommissioned by federally licensed businesses. Summary: Alberta's refusal to participate means the practical availability of federal compensation for prohibited firearms in the province is unclear and depends on provincial cooperation. The immediate procedural step is the federal declaration deadline on March 31, and the amnesty for possession runs until Oct. 30.