The province has introduced additional amendments to its firearms legislation, aimed at protecting law-abiding firearms owners amid ongoing federal efforts to ban thousands of models of previously legal firearms. Tim McLeod, minister of justice and attorney general, said the new legislation intends to safeguard the property rights of the province’s firearms owners, including ensuring owners receive fair compensation if their firearms are deemed illegal. “That means that you need to provide a fair market value for that firearm, and that's going to require an independent appraisal,” he explained, adding that the appraisal process can be requested online through the Saskatchewan Firearms Office’s online portal. Owners can retain firearms while awaiting compensation The latest amendment ensures that while awaiting appraisals, owners are authorized to continue storing their firearms securely without fear of prosecution under Section 117.08 of the Criminal Code. “Law-abiding citizens can continue to store their firearms while they're awaiting an appraisal... they can continue to safely and securely store their firearms while they're waiting for an appraisal and receipt of the compensation that the federal government owes them,” McLeod said. “It's not just while they wait for the appraisal number. It's while they wait for the appraisal and receipt of full payment of fair market value.” Related Stories: Gun-rights group condemns proposed firearm bans as federal panel urges further prohibitions Province amends Saskatchewan Firearms Act Ottawa moves forward with national buyback program Justice minister criticizes federal gun grab, promises provincial measures to protect law-abiding gun owners ▶️ Listen to this news story on the radio Criticism of federal gun grab McLeod criticized federal actions targeting more than 2,500 firearm models, which he said unfairly targets hunters, farmers and sport shooters, all of whom are properly vetted by the Saskatchewan Firearms Office. “These firearms are being held by law abiding citizens. They're properly licensed. The guns are being held in a safe and secure manner. They are not the problem when it comes to community safety,” McLeod said. Calls for reconsideration McLeod added he has repeatedly urged federal officials to reconsider the gun ban. “I have encouraged the federal government to do away with this gun grab altogether. They have been resistant to that idea,” he said. “While the federal government may not be pleased with what we're doing, other provincial governments who are also opposed to the federal gun grab are certainly expressing interest in what we've done here.” Interest growing among other provinces McLeod noted that interest in similar policies is growing among provincial counterparts also opposed to the federal gun grab program. “We all have an interest in uh making our streets safer and keeping our community safe. My message to the federal government has been consistent. This program does nothing to achieve that goal; you're targeting the wrong audience. These are law-abiding citizens.” McLeod emphasized that these amendments ensure that the approximately 115,000 licensed firearms owners in the province are protected while federal legislation unfolds.