An Alberta man is the latest Canada Post employee to be charged with pilfering mail, but the federal Crown corporation remains confident that this type of crime is not a growing problem across the country.
Teresa Williams, a Canada Post spokeswoman, said mail-theft cases involving their workers are "extremely low."
In 2005, there were about 40 cases, but by 2007 that number had dropped below 30, she said. "It's trending in the right direction. We aren't perfect, but we are certainly working on it." Canada Post, which processes about 11.8 billion pieces of mail annually, employees about 72,000 people.
Edmonton police allege that in the latest case, a postal worker at a distribution warehouse in the city stole at least 28 gift cards and more than $600 from mail. That figure could grow because the investigation continues.
Michael Dale Hubick, 42, was charged earlier this week with theft of mail and possession of articles stolen from mail. He has been working for the corporation for six years and is suspended without pay while Canada Post conducts an internal investigation.
Ms. Williams said Canada Post has several security measures to reduce mail theft, but wouldn't disclose them because of concerns that publicizing them would make them ineffective. All new employees undergo a background security check before being cleared to work.
Stealing mail is an indictable offence with a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail.
In July, a postal worker from Calgary was handed a two-year conditional sentence for stealing mail and about $100,000 worth of goods such as wrapped Christmas gifts.
Crown prosecutor Achilles Grobler had recommended the man serve three years in jail, and told the court the postal system would be "unworkable if postal workers didn't exercise people's trust in them and deliver mail responsibly."