When you think of it, a fork is just a metal utensil. So what could be so dangerous about a simple fork that it’s illegal to own or use in Canada? It turns out, there’s this very good reason why using or owning a fork is against the law. The laws governing personal possession in Canada are extremely strict on purpose. Any object that can be used as a weapon—for example, pieces of metal such as knives or forks—are strictly prohibited.
Why Are Forks Illegal In Canada?
Yes, forks are technically illegal in Canada. Many people believe that forks are a ‘dangerous weapon’ and therefore illegal to possess. This is not actually the case. A dangerous weapon is defined as ‘an instrument that may be used to inflict ‘serious bodily injury or death’ (Criminal Code of Canada). Here are some reasons why forks are illegal in Canada.
Illegal Forks
Forks are a useful tool for eating many different foods. These are the reason why they are very common around the world. But in Canada, they are actually illegal. This is because they are considered to be knives. The only people who are legally allowed to own or sell forks in Canada are hotels. And even then, they can only use them for serving people who are having dinner in their rooms. They can’t be used for serving people who are eating in a restaurant. Forks are great for eating many different foods like pasta, salad, and steak. That’s why they are very common in many different countries around the world. But in Canada, they are illegal.
Forks Are Classified As Knives
Some people may be surprised to learn that forks are actually considered to be knives in Canada. This is because they are sharp and pointed. Canadian laws say that anything that is sharp and pointed is a knife. So forks are actually illegal in Canada. But you may be wondering – why do we need to classify forks as knives? That’s because, in Canada, anyone can own a knife. But only certain people can own a gun. Basically, to avoid guns and knives in the wrong hands, Canada has laws that make it illegal for anyone who has not got a licence to buy or own a gun or a knife. Those who have a licence can buy and own as many knives and guns as they want.
Knives Are Illegal Unless You Have A Licence
If you were wondering why forks are illegal in Canada – now you know. Knives are considered to be dangerous weapons in Canada. So they can only be owned or sold by people who have a licence. If you sell or own a knife in Canada without a licence, you could get fined or even go to jail. So why are knives considered to be dangerous weapons? Well, they can be used as weapons. But they can also be used for very useful things. Some people use knives for work. For example, carpenters use knives for cutting wood. But knives can also be used for harmful things. So to avoid them being in the wrong hands, Canada has laws that make it illegal for anyone who doesn’t have a licence to buy or own a knife.
The Fork Is Just A Piece Of Metal
You may be surprised to learn that there are actually many strange laws in Canada. For example, people who want to be lawyers in Canada must study law for a very long time. They must also pass some tests and get a licence before they can work as a lawyer. And there are many strange laws about what medical staff can do when they treat patients. But the weirdest laws about things that don’t make any sense are about forks. Why are forks, a useful tool for eating food, even a part of the law in Canada? Well, the law says that anything that’s sharp and pointed is a knife. And that means that forks are also a type of knife. And if you can’t get a licence to sell or own a knife, you can’t own or sell forks either.
Spoon Or Fork? Canadian Law Doesn’t Care
It doesn’t matter what type of food you are eating. You can’t use a fork in Canada. You must use a spoon. This is because of another weird law in Canada. The Health Protection and Promotion Act says that everyone must use a spoon when eating food that’s been heated to above a certain temperature. This law doesn’t just apply to people who are eating out. It applies to everyone. So if you are eating a bowl of soup at home, you must use a spoon. If your soup is hot, it’s above the legal temperature. So you must use a spoon. But if your soup is cold, even if it’s from a can, you must use a fork.
How Are Fork Laws Enforced?
- The laws governing possession of forks are enforced by the CBSA, or the Canada Border Services Agency, who are the people tasked with inspecting passengers and their luggage upon entry and exit from Canada.
- As such, officers at the border are responsible for confiscating any item that’s illegal for a Canadian citizen to have in their possession. However, if you are caught with a fork in your possession and have a valid reason for having it on you, you may be allowed to keep it.
- Unfortunately, the CBSA officers can confiscate any item they deem dangerous, and forks are included on the list. Once you’re caught with a fork, it will be taken and you will be allowed to continue into the country—but the fork will not be returned to you.
How Prisoners Manipulate Forks?
Shaving utensils
Some prisoners shave the handles of forks and other utensils to create makeshift razors. Prisoners use these razors to shave their facial hair and occasionally, the hair on their heads. Shaving utensils is a common practice in prisons, but there are no official numbers on how many prisoners do it. When you’re confined to a small space with other people, you have to figure out a way to make the best of what you’ve got. Prisoners use this method because it’s quick, easy, and cheap. In some cases, prisoners might also shave the forks for tattoos or other markings. Some prisons allow prisoners to ink their bodies. (Others do not.) When it’s allowed, prisoners manipulate forks for tattoos by filing the teeth of the fork with an ink pen. The ink comes out when prisoners press the fork against their skin.
Hair care
Some prisoners use their forks to cut their hair or their friends’ hair. With an empty fork, they cut their own or their friend’s hair using a mirror as a guide. These prisoners often use hair conditioners as a hair product. Some even use forks to braid their friends’ hair. Some prisoners use forks to massage their scalp and hair. This is especially useful for prisoners who have lice or dandruff.
Gaming tokens
Some prisoners use forks for board games, card games, and dice games. Most of these games are played with either poker chips or tokens. Poker chips can be expensive, and some prisons don’t allow them. In these cases, prisoners use forks to replace poker chips. Some prisoners use forks to replace tokens in board games like Monopoly.
Food manipulation
Some prisoners use forks to cut their food into smaller pieces. This can be a useful strategy for prisoners who have allergies or are on a special diet. It also saves time when serving yourself. Some prisoners use forks to mix their food together. This is most commonly done with food in containers that come in separate parts.
Communication devices
Some prisoners use forks to create Morse code devices. This is done by pressing forks against the wall so the handle juts out. A tap on the handle transmits a Morse code dot or dash. Prisoners also use forks as an alphabet device. The letters are written backwards so that someone reading the fork must flip it over to translate the letters.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why forks are illegal in Canada. They can be used as weapons to injure correctional officers, including ones that are wrapped in a cloth soaked in a chemical. They can also be used to pick locks and pry open doors. Forks are a bit of a bizarre contraband item to be illegal, but the fact that they can be used so dangerously makes them a good candidate for being outlawed. If you ever find yourself in Canada, make sure you leave the forks at home.
