Government again seeks to make it possible to search, seize small mail

The Canadian government has proposed legislative changes to the Canada Post Corporation Act that would allow law enforcement agencies to obtain warrants to search and seize all forms of mail, including small letters and parcels under 500 grams. This proposal, included in the 2026 spring economic update, aims to close a current gap where warrants can only be issued for packages or mail exceeding 500 grams. A spokesperson for the public safety minister emphasized that the change would not permit warrantless searches but would expand lawful access for police and intelligence agencies. The move responds to concerns raised by law enforcement about drug smuggling and other criminal activities using Canada Post mail services. Recent investigations have uncovered illicit drug shipments sent through the postal system, prompting calls from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to broaden police powers in this area. This legislative effort follows earlier attempts by the government under Prime Minister Mark Carney to enhance police and intelligence capabilities, including the controversial Bill C-2, which proposed warrantless searches of small mail but faced significant opposition and was replaced by Bill C-22, currently under parliamentary consideration. Prime Minister Carney has publicly defended the need for expanded lawful access powers, citing the evolving nature of communication channels and the challenges law enforcement faces in obtaining timely information from electronic service providers. Despite the importance of the issue, the inclusion of this public safety measure within the economic update document has raised questions about its legislative framing and timing. The government maintains that the proposed changes strike a balance between enhancing investigative tools and protecting civil liberties by requiring judicial authorization for mail searches.