The Canadian government has renewed efforts to expand law enforcement authority to search and seize mail, introducing a proposed legal amendment within its 2026 spring economic update.
The measure, outlined in the budget document, seeks to revise the Canada Post Corporation Act to allow authorities to obtain warrants for inspecting all types of mail, subject to parliamentary approval.
Officials say the proposal would not permit warrantless searches. Instead, it would close existing gaps by enabling investigators to seek judicial authorization for smaller mail items. Under current regulations, law enforcement can only obtain warrants for parcels or mail exceeding 500 grams.
A spokesperson for the public safety minister stated that the change aims to modernise investigative tools while maintaining legal safeguards. The move follows repeated calls from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, which has highlighted the growing use of postal services in drug trafficking operations.
The initiative forms part of a broader push by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to strengthen surveillance and investigative powers. Earlier legislative efforts, including Bill C-2, proposed allowing warrantless searches of smaller mail items but faced significant criticism from opposition parties and civil liberties groups. A revised bill, C-22, is currently under consideration, focusing on simplifying access to digital data for law enforcement.
While details of the latest amendment remain limited, officials indicated it does not go as far as previous proposals. Nonetheless, it reflects ongoing efforts to enhance what authorities describe as “lawful access” — the ability to obtain communications and data relevant to criminal investigations.
Speaking earlier this month, Carney defended the need for expanded powers, arguing that evolving communication methods require updated legal frameworks. Law enforcement agencies have long cited challenges in obtaining timely cooperation from digital service providers, complicating investigations.
It remains unclear why the proposal was included in a fiscal update rather than standalone legislation. However, the finance minister has defended its inclusion, underscoring its importance to national public safety priorities.
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