Less than half of suspicious packages entering Canada by cross-border mail are X-rayed for high-risk items such as guns, according to an audit report by Public Safety Canada (PSC). The report, titled “Horizontal Evaluation of the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence,” stated that the percentage of mail items screened using detection technology for high-risk items requiring further examination was 65% in 2020-21 and 46% in 2021-22.
The findings were based on data provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to auditors. The agency had obtained dual-view X-ray devices specifically for screening increased volumes of mail at postal sorting plants.
The auditors also noted that while 35% of international postal shipments were examined using Dual View X-ray technology in 2020-21, the report did not specify how many of these shipments resulted in seizures.
The evaluation report covered the period from 2018 to 2022 and was mandated by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to assess the outcomes of the initiatives launched by the government to address the rising gun and gang violence in the country. These initiatives involved providing funds to PSC, CBSA, and the RCMP to support intelligence gathering, equipment procurement, and law enforcement.
In a briefing note published in March 2023, PSC reported that $358.8 million had been allocated to provinces and territories so far, with the expectation of another $100 million pending approval.
Public Safety Canada previously acknowledged that it does not have information on the exact number of guns being smuggled into the country. The department stated in a December 2022 briefing note that the total number of successfully smuggled firearms into Canada remains unknown. However, they emphasized their efforts to provide the necessary tools and resources to combat smuggling and trafficking, such as X-ray machines.
The evaluation report highlighted a 91% increase in fatal shootings between 2013 and 2020, indicating that gun and gang violence remains a widespread issue across the country. Shootings have become the most common type of homicide, and in 2021, gang-related homicides accounted for nearly one-quarter of all homicides, with 74% of these involving firearms.
Currently, under subsection 40(3) of the Canada Post Corporation Act, police are unable to intercept any letters, packages, or mail of any kind while they are still in transit. They have to wait until the item is delivered to the addressee or returned to the sender to intercept and seize it. Senator Pierre Dalphond has highlighted the need for police to work closely with the limited number of Canada Post inspectors to inspect suspicious parcels.
To address this issue, Senator Dalphond sponsored Bill S-256, an act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act (seizure), which would allow police to intercept suspicious parcels in transit. The bill has received attention from senators who recognize that traffickers exploit the current loophole in the act, which only applies to Canada Post and not other private courier companies.
In conclusion, the audit report reveals concerning shortcomings in the screening process for suspicious packages in cross-border mail entering Canada. The evaluation report underscores the ongoing challenge of gun and gang violence in the country and the need for legislative changes to enhance law enforcement efforts.