Ottawa, April 2 -- More than 67,000 assault-style firearms were declared for compensation as Canada's buyback programme deadline for individuals closed March 31, the government said Tuesday, marking a key step in its effort to remove prohibited weapons from circulation.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said 37,869 firearm owners participated in the declaration phase of the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), which is part of a broader federal push to curb gun violence.

Authorities will begin assessing submissions in April, with the collection and compensation phase expected to run from spring through early fall. Firearms will be collected by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, local police or mobile collection ...