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Senate Bill

Bill S-256

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 18, 2023
Canadian Postal Safety Act
  • This bill, called the Canadian Postal Safety Act, would allow police to search, seize, detain, and retain mail in the course of post to intercept contraband, including dangerous drugs, firearms, alcohol, and counterfeit items. Currently, police cannot lawfully do so under the Canada Post Corporation Act, which puts postal workers at risk of handling potentially dangerous items. The bill also makes related amendments to the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the Cannabis Act. Its aim is to reduce drug trafficking in the mail to save lives and improve public safety.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The Canadian Postal Safety Act aims to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act by designating certain statutes under which items in the course of post may be seized, detained or retained. This bill seeks to allow police to search, seize, detain or retain Canada Post mail in order to intercept contraband, including dangerous drugs like fentanyl and other opioids, firearms, alcohol and counterfeit items. While current restrictions do not apply to police activities involving private courier services, this amendment will help reduce opioid and contraband trafficking, preserving public health and safety. The related amendments to other Acts provide clarity and ensure that the lawful owners of a seized item can be presumed to be the addressee if entitled to possession of the item under any Act of Parliament. This Bill is necessary to prevent harm and protect communities and postal workers.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • The Canadian Postal Safety Act may seem like a well-intentioned effort to reduce contraband trafficking through Canada Post, but it sets a dangerous precedent for infringing on the privacy and security of Canadians. Allowing police to search, seize, detain, and retain mail in the course of post without a warrant or probable cause goes against fundamental rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It opens the door to potential abuses of power and breaches of confidentiality, as well as negatively impacting postal workers who may be subject to increased risk and liability. It is better to prioritize harm reduction measures and target the root causes of drug addiction, rather than compromising privacy and civil liberties.

Senate Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 06, 2023
Senate Third Reading
  • June 6, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read

Senate Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 18, 2023

Senate Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 07, 2023
Senate First Reading
  • Feb. 7, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • Passed

Senate Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 29, 2022

Senate Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 22, 2022