Edmonton... In an effort to get unwanted guns off the street, Albertans can safely hand over their illegal or unwanted firearms and ammunition to police this October.

In cooperation with Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security and Alberta Justice and Attorney General, Alberta's police departments will run the gun amnesty from October 1 to October 31. The program gives residents who possess unwanted firearms the opportunity to safely turn them over to their local police force without facing charges for possessing unregistered and unlicensed weapons.

"Most gun owners in Alberta are responsible and are careful to properly store and care for their weapons," said Ron Stevens, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. "Our focus in this campaign is the person who no longer wishes to be in possession of a weapon or ammunition but is not sure how to safely dispose of it or is concerned he or she will face charges if the weapon is not registered or licensed."

The gun amnesty is a voluntary program for people to turn in unwanted firearms and should help make our communities safer," said Harvey Cenaiko, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. "We believe it will help prevent unwanted guns from falling into the wrong hands or seriously injuring or killing someone if accidentally discharged. This program will give people the chance to dispose of their firearms in a safe and convenient manner."

The gun amnesty is for all weapons, including shotguns, handguns, and ammunition. Albertans are also encouraged to turn over unwanted replica or imitation firearms, or pellet guns as these could potentially be used by someone to commit a crime. Other dangerous weapons such as pepper spray and knives will also be accepted.

Anyone wanting to dispose of their weapons should contact their local police station's non-emergency number to make appropriate arrangements to turn them over. Officers will go to their residence to pick up the weapons and ammunition. Residents should not take these items to the police station unless police have specifically directed them to do so.

Police will test all firearms. Any weapon found to have been stolen or used in a crime may lead to charges. Most weapons turned over will be destroyed. However, weapons that have historical significance may be given to museums.

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1. What is the purpose of the gun amnesty?

Alberta gun amnesty program aims to get unused or unwanted guns off the street. It allows Albertans who have illegal or unwanted firearms, other weapons or ammunition an opportunity to voluntarily surrender them to police for safe disposal.

2. How will the gun amnesty work?

Albertans who have these weapons are encouraged to call their local police service's non-emergency phone number to make appropriate arrangements to turn them over. Officers will go to their residence to pick up the weapons and ammunition. Residents should not take these items to the police station unless police have specifically directed them to do so.

3. How can the Alberta government legally create an amnesty?

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General has the constitutional authority to direct that no person who voluntarily surrenders a firearm or weapon to the police during the amnesty period will be prosecuted for a weapons possession offence, as long as that firearm or weapon was not stolen or was not used in a crime.

4. What types of firearms and weapons do you expect to be turned in?

• Registered firearms that are no longer wanted by the owner, including those inherited from a family member.
• Prohibited and restricted firearms and weapons, prohibited devices and prohibited ammunition as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada.
• Firearms that have never been registered or licensed under current firearms law, including rifles and shotguns.
• Imitation firearms that are not required to be registered, but still pose a danger because they are difficult to distinguish from a real gun.
• Any other weapons that the public wants to turn in, such as pellet guns, grenades, explosives, ammunition, etc.

5. What happens to guns that will be turned in?

Police will test all firearms. Any weapon found to have been stolen or used in a crime may lead to charges. Most weapons turned over will be destroyed. However, weapons that have historical significance may be given to museums.

Contact your local RCMP detachment's non-emergency number to make arrangements to turn over your unwanted, unlicensed, or unregistered weapons. A listing of detachments can be found at: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ab/dist_det/det_e.htm.

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