STRANGE CUSTOMS

Minister Defends Opening Of Private Mail At Canada's Borders

OTTAWA -- Revenue Minister Martin Cauchon defended the random opening of
mail at Canada's borders as a "fundamental" part of customs agents' job to
crack down on illegal goods.

Cauchon said customs officials can legally open any parcel, letter or
package weighing more than 30 grams at border checkpoints.

"It's the fundamental role of customs. It's standard proceedings," he said,
attributing $23.3 million in drug seizures last year to the random mail search.

"We have the responsibility to keep our communities safe."

Under 1992 legislation, customs inspectors can open mail that weighs more
than 30 grams without a warrant, but anything weighing less requires a
judge's approval.

Cauchon stumbled through his explanation of why photocopies are being made
of some of the opened mail, and had to briefly leave the interview to
consult with staff on the issue.

Cauchon said that anything suspect is brought to the attention of the
relevant federal department, but refused to explain why mail is being
photocopied and filed.

Cauchon also wouldn't outline what would raise a red flag.

"We're proceeding on a risk-assessment basis," he said.

"We transfer the document to the other department, and the other department
has to deal with it."

Cauchon said that every piece of opened mail should have a stamp advising
the receiver of it.

Alliance MP John Reynolds accused the Liberals of breaking lawyer-client
privileges and of targetting specific people with the mail searches.

"What assurances do Canadians have that the civil rights of law-abiding
individuals are not being infringed by this questionable practice?" he asked.

Several immigration lawyers across the country say they have discovered
their mail -- notably correspondence from clients -- was opened, and some
said they fear that it is targeted.

They say they were never told their mail is being opened, if information
was kept or copied, or why.

"We don't let the government tap our phones without permission from a
court. Why should it be any different with the mail?" asked Richard
Kurland, an immigration lawyer who believes his mail was regularly opened.

He said his mail was opened so frequently that his colleagues would usually
gather around to see how his packages had been repackaged or stamped.

- -- with files from CP