Loading ...Canada’s Supreme Court gives police more powers to search private property without warrants
The Supreme Court decision allows police to enter private property and investigate crimes based on ‘implied license,’ which could lead to surveillance of Canadians, freedom advocates warned.
On March 20, 2026, the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision in the case R v. Singer. The majority of the court ruled, as noted by Justice Mahmud Jamal, that when it comes to private property rights, police communicating with homeowners when they are investigating a crime – even when the type of investigation may necessitate a warrant – can use what is known as an implied license to be able to enter one’s property.
What is known as an implied license allows drivers to drop off packages, door canvassers to come to one’s door, or police to come to a door to ask questions in a general fashion. However, the recent court ruling now extends this implied license to extra police search powers. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) warned that this ruling sets a dangerous precedent.
“Consider whether posting a sign at the end of the driveway that says ‘Implied License Revoked for Law Enforcement’ or even ‘No Trespassing’ might insulate you from snooping officers,” he wrote. “Your neighbours may whisper to each other that you’re a bit weird, but you can explain how the Supreme Court forced your hand,” he said.