South of the Border, Texas students made headlines for carrying “cocks over glocks” to protest gun violence.

Here at home, we’re getting just as creative in our methods.

Starting today, Haligonians (yes, that is the real term for residents of Halifax) will be able to trade in their guns for bus tickets as a part of the “Fares for Firearms” campaign.

The campaign, which will run until September 23, is simple: you can dial 902-490-5020 to schedule a pick-up for guns and ammunition. In return, you’ll receive 50 Halifax Transit tickets.

“If participants have no use for transit tickets, the municipality is encouraging them to re-distribute the tickets to those in need; a friend or family member, or a local community group,” says a news release from the municipality.

While the initiative’s goal is noble – “to address causes of violence, and help keep our communities’ safe,” says Halifax Mayor Mike Savage – not everybody is behind the program.

In fact, many councillors suggested that the campaign is a “joke” and that the incentive, which works out to about $100, isn’t enough to get people to give up their guns.

Despite the pushback, the mayor stands behind the controversial program.

“If this campaign keeps even one gun out of the wrong hands, then we have taken a step forward in improving public safety within our communities,” he says.

Whether it works or not, it’s certainly a great way to draw attention to a pretty serious issue.

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