Overview of the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney promised to legislate a pre-authorization system ensuring that the classification of new firearm models entering the Canadian market is determined solely by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), rather than influenced by the gun industry. This commitment aimed to strengthen gun control by removing potential industry bias from the classification process, focusing on public safety and preventing the entry of firearms deemed unsuitable for civilian use.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office in 2025, the Carney government has made some advancements in firearm regulation, including prohibitions on additional assault-style firearms. In March 2025, the government announced the prohibition of 179 additional firearm varieties and initiated a classification review process. This review is intended to assess new models more rigorously, aligning with the promise's goal of RCMP-led classification. The RCMP, through its Canadian Firearms Program, continues to oversee firearm classifications under existing laws, but no new legislation specifically creating a pre-authorization system has been passed as of August 28, 2025.

Legislation Proposed or Passed

No specific new legislation has been passed to establish the promised pre-authorization system. However, regulatory changes and extensions to prohibited firearms lists have been implemented, building on prior frameworks like the Firearms Act. In December 2024, before Carney's full tenure, the government extended the list of prohibited assault-style firearms, and this momentum continued into 2025 with further prohibitions. A classification review was announced in March 2025, which could lay the groundwork for a formalized system, but it remains at the regulatory level rather than through new parliamentary legislation. Consultations on related firearm regulations were open until February 2025, indicating ongoing efforts, but advocates have expressed concerns over delays in broader firearm commitments.

Key Points of the Promise and Outcomes

The promise emphasizes legislating a system for pre-authorization, with classification determined by the RCMP to exclude gun industry influence. Outcomes so far include enhanced prohibitions and a review process that reinforces RCMP authority, but the absence of new legislation means the core requirement for a legislated pre-authorization framework has not been met. This leaves the promise partially addressed through administrative actions rather than statutory changes.

Status Assessment

The promise is considered in progress because initial steps, such as firearm prohibitions and a classification review, have been taken, but full legislative action is pending. To become kept, the government must introduce and pass legislation explicitly creating the pre-authorization system under RCMP control. It would be broken if the government abandons the effort, fails to propose legislation by the end of the term, or allows industry influence to persist in classifications.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.