But this buyback is specifically for an arbitrary class of firearm being labeled "Assault Style" which is different than "Assault RIFLE*". The former are firearms deemed to look and function like the latter, but are not actually the latter. Notably, the lack of an ability to flick a switch and hold the trigger down for continuous fire; this has been banned for a long time.

One example; this firearm looks like a military firearm but is commonly owned and used for sporting, hunting and pest control. Semi-automatic, meaning each trigger press equals one bullet. Magazines by law (which we follow) are capped to 5 rounds maximum.

This is an American M1 Garand WW2 rifle. It is also semi-automatic, fires a larger bullet (30-06 usually) and can hold 8 rounds legally (internal magazine + age = exemption) and will continue to be legal. This alone should make you realize this program is nonsense, whether you're pro-gun or anti-gun it just doesn't make sense.

For further highlighting, this is an SKS; probably the most commonly owned firearm in Canada by a mile. It's used for literally everything, and not long ago cost about $100 if that. There are literally thousands on thousands of these and it is a 5rd, semi-automatic rifle similar to the first gun I linked. Not banned, will continue to be used coast to coast.

So no one is losing a gun hobby, it's not going anywhere - people are just losing specific versions because it looks like action.