Statement from Minister Lang on launching engagement on territorial firearms legislation

Minister of Justice Laura Lang has issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce details of an engagement planned for this summer to inform the development of firearms legislation in the Yukon. We are working towards having this legislation tabled for debate in the Yukon Legislative Assembly this fall.

“This government has consistently advocated on behalf of lawful Yukon firearms owners and been clear with the Government of Canada about the impacts that federal changes, including prohibitions, will have on law-abiding Yukon firearms owners. I have raised these issues directly with federal Ministers, as have other Ministers and the Premier.

“During the spring sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, Motion No. 54 in support of firearms owners was introduced by Southern Lakes MLA Tyler Porter and passed unanimously. The motion urged the Government of Canada to acknowledge our unique northern context by establishing a carve-out exempting the three territories from the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program and related prohibitions.

“The Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have jointly shared concerns with the Government of Canada about the impact on northerners of banning models of firearms that are appropriate for hunting, trapping and wildlife protection. 

“We have also been clear with the Government of Canada and received confirmation that no territorially funded police services will be used for the federal government’s Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program and that policing resources in the Yukon will remain focused on local policing priorities. 

“The Government of Yukon is also committed to introducing a Yukon-based chief firearms officer. The power to appoint a territorial chief firearms officer lies with the federal Public Safety Minister. The Government of Canada has indicated its willingness to implement a new chief firearms officer position dedicated to the territories, and we are working with the Government of Canada on what such an appointment could look like.

“The legislation we are developing is a continuation of this advocacy on behalf of lawful Yukon firearm owners. There is limited time between now and when we anticipate tabling firearms legislation this fall. I would like to support sincere engagement with Yukoners and be clear about where input will help inform the directions we go from here. 

“The firearms legislation we are engaging on with Yukoners will allow us to explore the creation of a new firearms advocate position for Yukoners. The advocate could work on behalf of Yukon firearm owners and firearm community and be mandated to provide advice to the Minister of Justice about the issues and priorities they hear from Yukoners. The advocate could also support firearms training, education and safety in the territory.

“There will be an in-person information session held on July 20, 2026, at the Whitehorse Public Library where the public will be welcome to share their thoughts, and there will also be opportunities for input from community members online. People can find more information at Yukon.ca/engagements and can also send their input to [email protected].

“I look forward to hearing from Yukoners as we advance this work.”