The federal government is launching a pilot program in Cape Breton next month to start the next phase of its plan to collect banned guns. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree made the announcement this afternoon in Ottawa, where he was joined by Regional Police Chief Robert Walsh. On October 1st, an online portal will allow gun owners to say if they’re interested in the program and they’ll be given an appointment with Regional Police if they’re accepted. Walsh says police will test the program before that. Anandasangaree says the deadline to turn in banned guns has been extended to October of next year.