Canadian Tire on Hunt Club and "bag checks"
I bought some light bulbs at Canadian Tire today. After I'd paid, the cashier asked to look in my backpack. I said no and left.
She called the manager who ran after me and told me it was "store policy." I said I didn't care. He said all we want is a quick look in your backpack, and I said "I refuse."
At that point, he realized I knew my rights and told me "Then next time, don't bring the backpack in." (Possibly the manager realized I was retired and had time to kill if they wanted to escalate this. 🙂 He may also have realized that I hadn't stolen anything and they'd be left with egg on their face if they pushed it.)
I understand the need to prevent shoplifting, but either (1) make people place their bags in a locker or some other secure place before they enter the store, or (2) have probable cause before you ask to search someone instead of trying to blanket search everyone.
It was an unpleasant encounter, and maybe that store will view me with suspicion in future, but dammit, if we don't stand up for our rights, we'll lose them.