Is it illegal to throw out mail in canada
In Canada, it is generally illegal to throw out mail, including letters, packages, and other postal items. Here's why:
- Canada Post Act: The Canada Post Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-26) is the federal law that governs the postal service in Canada. Section 14 of the Act states that "no person shall destroy, mutilate, or deface any postal article or any document or thing sent or delivered by post."
- Criminal Code: The Criminal Code of Canada (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46) also prohibits the destruction or mutilation of postal articles. Section 327(1) states that "every one who wilfully destroys, mutilates or defaces any postal article or any document or thing sent or delivered by post is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years."
- Mail Protection Act: The Mail Protection Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. M-1) is a federal law that aims to protect the mail and prevent its theft, destruction, or misuse. Section 3 of the Act states that "no person shall destroy, mutilate, or deface any postal article or any document or thing sent or delivered by post."
What happens if you throw out mail in Canada?
If you're caught throwing out mail, you could face fines or even criminal charges, depending on the circumstances. In addition, you may also be held liable for any damages or losses resulting from the destruction of the mail.
It's important to note that there are some exceptions to these laws, such as:
- If you're a postal worker or employee of Canada Post, you may be authorized to destroy certain types of mail as part of your job duties.
- If you're a business or organization, you may be allowed to destroy certain types of mail as part of your normal operations, such as junk mail or unwanted solicitations.
In general, it's always best to follow the law and respect the postal system by properly disposing of mail and packages.