So I don't know the law in Canada - but in Texas once my transaction with the cashier is complete the merchandise is now mine and the store has no right to inspect it or me. A store is a public space and in no way does a sign saying 'packages may be inspected' or somesuch give the store the right to inspect my person or belongings without clear evidence of a crime. (Membership clubs like Sams and Costco are an exception as they may have forced you to agree to a search in writing when signing the membership agreement) Refusal to stop for an unnecessary inspection is not probable cause.

I agree that the best course of action is to vote with ones wallet - don't shop at places where this practice is in place and make it clear to management of those stores why you refuse to shop there - but the law, at least in these parts, is on Matt's side.

The bit about the British police seemed a bit odd till I followed the link and saw it was part of an unrelated story. May be more accurate (and less of a non-sequitur) to remove "British police documents revealed that the DNA of suspects accused of crimes such as picking wildflowers or defacing coins will be stored for life in a national database. " from the quoted text above.

As an unrelated comment, vajayjay puts an image of the American Idol contestant Sanjaya in my head. I prefer not to have that picture in my mind when thinking about or referring to my wifes 'special place'....