Mass shootings over recent decades have significantly influenced the evolution of gun laws in Canada, particularly after major incidents such as the April 2020 rampage in Nova Scotia. The recent shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., which left nine people dead including the suspect, have brought renewed scrutiny to firearms regulations. According to RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, investigators are focusing on the origins and types of firearms used in the tragic event, which included a long gun and a modified handgun.

Since May 2020, the Canadian federal government, led by the Liberal party, has implemented stricter gun control measures, outlawing approximately 2,500 types of firearms deemed unsuitable for public ownership, such as the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14. The rationale behind these prohibitions is that such weapons are more appropriate for military engagements rather than civilian use. The legislation is rooted in a response to past mass shootings that have occurred in the country, reflecting a national desire for increased public safety.

In light of these recent events, the government has established an amnesty period, which ends on October 30, requiring the disposal or deactivation of any prohibited firearms. While these changes have drawn support from many safety advocates, they have also faced opposition from gun rights groups who argue against restrictive measures on responsible gun ownership, indicating a continuing debate on public safety and individual rights as the investigation into the Tumbler Ridge incident unfolds.