View source for Possession

{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderElements}}
==General Principles==
There are three types of possession:<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Anderson|1ddq9|1995 CanLII 1338 (BCCA)|[1995] 29 W.C.B. (2d) 357 (BCCA)}}{{perBCCA|Rowles JA}}</ref> 
*personal / actual possession 
*constructive possession 
*joint possession

Possession can be proven through both direct or circumstantial evidence.<ref>
{{UKCase|Warner v Metropolitan Police Commissioner| (1968), 52 Cr. App. R. 373 (H.L.)}}</ref>

These forms of possession are outlined in s. 4{{CCC}}:
{{quotation2|
; Possession
4 <Br>
{{removed|(1) and (2)}}
(3) For the purposes of this Act,
:(a) a person has anything in possession when he has it in his personal possession or knowingly
::(i) has it in the actual possession or custody of another person, or
::(ii) has it in any place, whether or not that place belongs to or is occupied by him, for the use or benefit of himself or of another person; and
:(b) where one of two or more persons, with the knowledge and consent of the rest, has anything in his custody or possession, it shall be deemed to be in the custody and possession of each and all of them.
{{removed|(4), (5), (6), (6.1), (7) and (8)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 4; 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 3; 
{{LegHistory90s|1994, c. 44}}, s. 3; 
{{LegHistory90s|1997, c. 18}}, s. 2; 
{{LegHistory00s|2008, c. 18}}, s. 1;
{{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 31}}, s. 2.
|[{{CCCSec|4}} CCC]
|{{NoteUp|4|3}}
}}

Section 4(3) is not limited to merely defining "possession" wherever it is found in the Code. It applies to all offences where the act of possession is a material element to the offence.<ref>
{{CanLIIRPC|R v Lovis; R v Moncini|1z19g|1974 CanLII 170 (SCC)|[1975] 2 SCR 294}}{{perSCC|Martland J}}
</ref>

; Knowledge and Control
At common law, possession requires control<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Terrance|1txhc|1983 CanLII 51 (SCC)|[1983] 1 SCR 357, 147 DLR (3d) 724}}{{perSCC|Ritchie J}}</ref> as well as knowledge.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Kocsis|1fbwt|2001 CanLII 3593 (ON CA)|157 CCC (3d) 564 (ONCA)}}{{perONCA|MacPherson JA}}</ref>

The statutory requirements of s.4(3) mean that the totality of evidence establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused had knowledge and control.<ref>
{{supra1|Anderson}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Fisher|1ll2q|2005 BCCA 444 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Smith JA}}<br>
</ref>

; Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Possession under s. 2 the ''Controlled Drugs and Substances Act'' adopts the same definition as the Criminal Code:
{{quotation2|
; Definitions
2 (1) In this Act,<br>
{{ellipsis}}
; “possession”
'''“possession”''' means possession within the meaning of subsection 4(3) {{AnnSec0|4(3)}} of the ''Criminal Code'';
{{ellipsis}}
{{removed|(2) and (3)}}
{{LegHistory90s|1996, c. 8}}, s. 35, c. 19, s. 2;
2001, c. 32, s. 47;
2017, c. 7, s. 1;
2018, c. 16, s. 194.
|[{{CDSASec|2}} CDSA]
|{{NoteUpCDSA|2}}
}}

{{Reflist|2}}

==Interpretation of Possession==

===Actual/Personal Possession===
“Personal possession” (ie. the actual handling of the thing) requires that “the accused must be aware that he or she has physical custody of the thing in question, and must be aware as well of what that thing is. Both elements must co-exist with an act of control (outside of public duty)”<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Beaver|1tvn9|1957 CanLII 14 (SCC)|[1957] SCR 531}}{{perSCC|Cartwright J}}{{atps|541-42}}<br> 
{{CanLIIR|Morelli|28mrg|2010 SCC 8 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Fish J}}{{atL|28mrg|16}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|York|1jrxx|2005 BCCA 74 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Oppal JA}}{{atL|1jrxx|20}} ("Personal possession is established where an accused person exercises physical control over a prohibited object with full knowledge of its character, however brief the physical contact may be, and where there is some evidence to show the accused person took custody of the object willingly with intent to deal with it in some prohibited manner")<br>
{{CanLIIR|Terrence|1txhc|1983 CanLII 51 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Ritchie J}}<br>
</ref>
Thus, actual/Personal possession requires that:<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Franks (G.G.)|5716|2003 SKCA 70 (CanLII)|[2003] S.J. No. 455; 238 Sask.R. 1; 305 W.A.C. 1 (CA)}}{{perSKCA|Bayda JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Kocsis|1fbwt|2001 CanLII 3593 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|MacPherson JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Hess|gcsrf|1948 CanLII 349 (BCCA)|94 CCC 48 (BCCA)}}{{perBCCA|O'Halloran JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Bonassin|208bk|2008 NLCA 40 (CanLII)}}{{perNLCA|Welsh JA}}{{atL|208bk|26}} ("  Described generally, the three components of possession have been stated to be: (1) knowledge of the item, (2) intention or consent to have possession of the item, and (3) control over the item")<br>
</ref> 
# there be an actual physical custody of the object 
# a knowledge of the nature of the object while with custody.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Beaver|1tvn9|1957 CanLII 14| (1957), 118 CCC 129 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Cartwright J}}</ref>

For the purpose of possession under s. 4(3)(a)(ii), there should be more than mere responsibility over the place where the object is found. There must be control over the place where the item is kept.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Bertucci|1clq0|2002 CanLII 41779 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|O'Connor JA}}{{atL|1clq0|20}}
</ref>

In certain circumstances personal possession can be drawn from evidence of fingerprints, but this will depend on the circumstances of the case. The determination is a question of fact.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lepage|1frn1|1995 CanLII 123 (SCC)|[1995] 1 SCR 654}}{{perSCC|Sopinka J}}</ref>

Fingerprints on a container of drugs, by itself, is not sufficient to establish possession of the drug. <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Breau|gcklp|1987 CanLII 6811 (NB CA)|33 CCC (3d) 354 (N.B.C.A.)}}{{perNBCA|Ayles JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Kuhn|g7hc3|1973 CanLII 922 (SKCA)| (No. 1) (1973), 15 CCC (2d) 1}}{{perSKCA|Culliton CJ}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Constructive Possession===

Constructive possession will apply where there is no actual possession, but there is circumstantial evidence that shows "that the accused may still be attributed to having possession of a certain object or thing."<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Callan|g7n3r|2014 SKQB 173 (CanLII)}}{{perSKQB|Konkin J}}{{atL|g7n3r|10}}<br>
</ref>

Constructive possession requires the following:<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Kocsis|1fbwt|2001 CanLII 3593 (ONCA)|157 CCC (3d) 564}}{{perONCA|MacPherson JA}} <br>
{{CanLIIR|Fisher|1ll2q|2005 BCCA 444 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Smith JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Pham|1m459|2005 CanLII 44671 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|MacPherson JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Roan|2dgk3|1985 ABCA 24 (CanLII)}}{{perABCA|Harradence JA}}
</ref>
# '''knowledge''' of the item
# '''intent/consent''' to ''possess'' the item
# '''control''' over the ''location'' of the item<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Terrence|1txhc|1983 CanLII 51 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Ritchie J}}
</ref>

The crown must prove knowledge extending beyond "quiescent knowledge" that discloses some degree of control of the item<ref>
{{supra1|Pham}} (affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada), [http://canlii.ca/t/1nnh1 2006 SCC 26] (CanLII), [2006] 1 SCR 940{{perSCC|McLachlin CJ}}</ref> 

A person cannot have constructive possession where it is established that another person has exclusive control.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Marshall|g9dv1|1968 CanLII 999 (AB CA)| CCC 149 (ABCA)}}{{perABCA-H|McDermid JA}}<br>
</ref>

Possession can still be established even if it considered the property of some third party.<ref>
{{supra1|Pham}}</ref> 

Constructive possession of drugs found in a suite or house can be established where the accused is shown to have control over a property searched and knowledge that the items were in the place.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Basarowich (C.J.)|27ljt|2010 MBQB 4 (CanLII)|, 249 Man.R. (2d) 64}}{{perMBQB|Greenberg J}}{{atL|27ljt|10}}</ref>
Even where the accused did not have exclusive control over the place, he can still be found in joint possession of the items.<ref>
{{ibid1|Basarowich}}{{atL|27ljt|11}}</ref>

Constructive possession does not require proof of actual possession at any time.<ref>
{{supra1|Fisher}}{{atL|1ll2q|24}} ("neither constructive possession nor joint possession requires proof of manual handling...")<br>
</ref>

A person who is to receive a package by mail can be found to be in constructive possession of its contents even where it may have been removed prior to delivery.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Brenton|gr512|2016 CanLII 24207 (NLSCTD)}}{{perNLSC|Handrigan J}}{{atL|gr512|18}}<br>
</ref>

; Appellate Review
Whether a possession under s. 4(3) exists is a question of fact.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Pham|1m459|2005 CanLII 44671 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|Kozak J}}{{atL|1m459|27}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Joint Possession===
Joint possession amounts to a form of possession wherein multiple people can be deemed to be in possession or custody of the object. 
By function of s. 4(3)(b) custody and possession of a second party is deemed where "with the knowledge and consent of the rest" the primary persons "has anything in his custody or possession".

To establish joint possession there must be:<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Terrence|1txhc|1983 CanLII 51 (SCC)|[1983] 1 SCR 357}}{{perSCC|Ritchie J}} <br>
{{CanLIIR|Williams|6h0w|1998 CanLII 2557 (ONCA)}}{{perONCA|McMurtry CJ}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Pham|1m459|2005 CanLII 44671 (ON CA)|O.R. (3d) 401, 203 CCC (3d) 326 (Ont. C.A.)}}{{perONCA|Kozak J}}{{atsL|1m459|15| to 17}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Bjornson|27525|2009 BCSC 1780 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC| Bennett J}}{{atL|27525|18}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Quach|20q67|2008 SKPC 62 (CanLII)}}{{perSKPC|Hinds J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Franks|5716|2003 SKCA 70 (CanLII)|[2003] S.J. No. 455}}{{perSKCA|Bayda CJ}}<br>
{{CanLIIRC|Re Chambers and The Queen|1p702|1985 CanLII 169 (ONCA)}}{{perONCA-H|Martin JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Fisher|1ll2q|2005 BCCA 444 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Smith JA}}
</ref>
# knowledge of the object,
# consent of the accused, 
# and a degree of control over it

It is necessary that there be some evidence of "active concurrence" by the accused to possession by another person. Passive acquiescence is not enough.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Marshall|g9dv1|1968 CanLII 999 (AB CA)| CCC 149 (ABCA)}}{{perABCA-H|McDermid JA}}<br>
Pham<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Caldwell|fnw3k|1972 ALTASCAD 33 (CanLII)|7 CCC (2d) 285 (ABCA)}}{{perABCA|Allen JA}}<br>
</ref>

Consent must be more than "indifference or passive acquiescence".<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Piaskoski|gbjnl|1979 CanLII 2920 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA-H|Martin JA}}
</reF>

In circumstances of spouses living together in which one is engaging in criminal activity, a court may infer the elements of possession to the non-participatory co-accused spouse where they are shown to be aware of the criminal activity going on in a residence she resides in and does little if anything to stop it.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Mihalkov|22j7j|2009 ONCA 154 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}} (2:1) - majority upholds trial judge's inference. Dissent trial judge cannot impose duty to report police
</ref>

Joint possession does not require proof of actual possession at any time.<ref>
{{supra1|Fisher}}{{atL|1ll2q|24}} ("neither constructive possession nor joint possession requires proof of manual handling...")<br>
</ref>

Control can be derived from knowledge of the presence of the item in their place of residence coupled with the choice not to refuse storage of the item there by another person.<ref>
{{CanLIIRC|Chambers and The Queen|1p702|1985 CanLII 169 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|Martin  JA}}
</ref>

Each element must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.<ref>
{{supra1|Fisher}}
</ref>
  
{{Reflist|2}}

===Innocent Possession===
{{seealso|Innocent Possession}}
There is suggestion that where the sole intent at all times of possession is to destroy or removing the accused's control over the contraband is not criminal.<ReF>
{{CanLIIRP|Glushek|fp4c7|1978 ALTASCAD 175 (CanLII)|41 CCC (2d) 380 (Alta. S.C. App. Div.)}}{{perABCA|Sinclair JA}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Christie|hv0nl|1978 CanLII 2535 (NB CA)|41 CCC (2d) 282 (N.B. S.C. App. Div.)}}{{perNBCA|Hughes CJ}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|York|1jrxx|2005 BCCA 74 (CanLII)|193 CCC (3d) 331 (BCCA)}}{{perBCCA|Oppal JA}}<br>
See also {{CanLIIRP|Loukas|1nlj4|2006 ONCJ 219 (CanLII)|[2006] OJ No 2405 (Ont. C.J.)}}{{perONCJ|M Green J}}
</ref> 
Stated differently, there must be an intent to control the item in question.<ref>
{{supra1|Christie}}
</ref>

There are certain objects, where "human experience tells us that the nature of the property found would simply not be the subject of unknowing possession."<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Ho|2cxbj|2010 ABPC 258 (CanLII)}}{{perABPC| Semenuk J}}{{atL|2cxbj|7}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Balasuntharam|1f9vt|1999 CanLII 1979 (ON CA)|OJ No 4861}}{{TheCourtONCA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Drury and Hazard|1fl9g|2000 MBCA 100 (CanLII)}}{{perMBCA|Huband JA}}
</ref>
 
{{Reflist|2}}

==Elements==
Proof of possession cannot be established by looking at the evidence individually, but rather the court must look at the evidence as a whole.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Brar (G.)|1wxq2|2008 MBQB 133 (CanLII)|, 234 Man.R. (2d) 1}}{{perMBQB|MacInnes JA}}{{atsL|1wxq2|37| to 38}}</ref>
It is a matter that is determined on the facts of each case.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Smith|gb2mq|1973 CanLII 1546 (BCCA)}}{{perBCCA-H|Taggart JA}} ("possession ... is a matter to be determined on the facts of each case.")
</ref>

The onus remains on the crown throughout. Even where the evidence "cries out for an explanation by the accused", it will simply create an evidential onus or even create a prima facie case, however, it will not require the accused to testify or prohibit from arguing that the crown failed to prove the element.<ref>
{{ibid1|Brar}}{{atL|1wxq2|38}}</ref>

In establishing possession, it is expected that there will be gaps in the evidence that can be filled by inferences.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Anderson-Wilson|27sk6|2010 ONSC 489 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Hill J}}{{atL|27sk6|73}} (“will involve hiatuses in the evidence which can be filled only by inference”)<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Manual Handling of Object===

The manual handling of an object it not a necessary element of proof in constructive possession or joint possession.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Fisher|1ll2q|2005 BCCA 444 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Smith JA}}</ref>

Brief handling of an object for the purpose of disposing of it, even while aware of its illegal character, is not enough to be in possession of it as it is conduct "inconsistent with retaining or dealing with the goods".<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Glushek|fp4c7|1978 ALTASCAD 175 (CanLII)|41 CCC (2d) 380}}{{perABCA|Sinclair JA}} - brief handling of stolen goods
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

===Knowledge===
{{seealso|Knowledge and Wilful Blindness}}
There cannot be possession without knowledge of the nature of the object.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Beaver|1tvn9|1957 CanLII 14 (SCC)|[1957] SCR 531, 118 CCC 129 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Cartwright J}} <br>
{{CanLIIRP|Martin|g17b1|1948 CanLII 101 (ON CA)|92 CCC 257}}{{perONCA|Laidlaw JA}}{{atp|266}} (Ont. C.A.)</ref> 
Knowledge requires that an accused have knowledge of “the criminal character of the item in issue”<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Chalk|1txps|2007 ONCA 815 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}}{{atL|1txps|18}}</ref>  It must be proven beyond mere “quiescent knowledge” that disclosed some degree of control over the items in question.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Traimany|2fk7r|2011 MBQB 15 (CanLII)}}{{perMBQB|Clearwater J}}{{atL|2fk7r|34}}</ref>

Knowledge can be established by circumstantial evidence.<ref>
{{CanLIIR-N|Sparling| (1988), OJ No 107, [1988] OJ No 107 (Ont. H.C.)}}{{atp|6}}: <br>
"There is no direct evidence of the applicant’s knowledge of the presence of narcotics in the residence.  It is not essential that there be such evidence for as with any other issue of fact in a criminal proceeding, it may be established by circumstantial evidence.  In combination, the finding of narcotics in plain view in the common areas of the residence, the presence of a scale in a bedroom apparently occupied by the applicant, and; the applicants apparent occupation of the premises may serve to found an inference of the requisite knowledge"</ref> 
It can also be established by direct or circumstantial evidence, or a combination of both.<ref> 
{{CanLIIR|Pham|1m459|2005 CanLII 44671 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|Kozak J}}{{atL|1m459|18}}
</ref>
 
However, it will often depend on the visibility of the object as well as the accused's connection with the location.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Grey|6jd5|1996 CanLII 35 (ONCA)}}{{perONCA|Laskin JA}}</ref>

For example, where drugs are found in a vehicle or house the courts consider the control the accused had over the location as well as the likelihood of the accused being aware of where the items were found.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Gordon|fn7f5|2011 ONSC 5650 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC| Backhouse J}} - acquittal - drugs found in vent of car
</ref>

Occupancy does not automatically infer knowledge of the items within the dwelling.<ref>
{{supra1|Grey}}{{atp|423}} (“I would not prescribe a firm rule for inferring knowledge from occupancy”)</ref>

Knowledge can be inferred by recklessness or willful blindness.<ref>
see [[Intention]]<br>
{{CanLIIR|Bennett|1vmfk|2008 CanLII 3411 (ONSC)}}{{perONSC|Belobaba J}}{{atL|1vmfk|17}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Aiello|1vqz6|1978 CanLII 62 (ON CA)|38 CCC (2d) 485, 30 N.R. 558}}{{perONCA-H|Martin JA}}<br>
</ref> 
It can be proven by circumstantial evidence without any direct proof.<ref>
{{ibid1|Aiello}}<br>
</ref>

The knowledge component of possession can be established where contraband is found in plain view in a common area of a residence.<ref>
{{supra1|Sparling}}
</ref>

Sparling

{{Reflist|2}}

===Consent and Intent===
The element of consent to possess an object requires that the accused consent to the object remaining in place after he or she has knowledge of its existence. This is not limited to those who approve of the custody of the drugs. A person who discovers drugs and spends time maintaining custody of it while considering what to do with it may be found to consent to possessing it.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Christie|hv0nl|1978 CanLII 2535 (NB CA)|41 CCC (2d) 282 (NBCA)}}{{perNBCA|Hughes CJ}} -- woman held onto discovered drugs in car for 1 hour</ref> 

{{Reflist|2}}

===Control===
Control over an object refers to the accused's ability to exert "some power or authority" over that object.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Colvin|g9hqg|1942 CanLII 245 (BCCA)|[1943] 1 DLR 20}}{{perBCCA|O'Halloran JA}}{{atp|25}} (DLR) ("It follows that `knowledge and consent' cannot exist without the co-existence of some measure of control over the subject-matter. If there is the power to consent there is equally the power to refuse and vice versa. They each signify the existence of some power or authority which is here called control, without which the need for their exercise could not arise or be invoked")
</ref>

The element of control over the object is established by showing that the accused had an ''intention'' to exercise control. Where the person is shown to have control over the area where the object is stored, they can be found to exercise control over the object itself.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Marshall|g9dv1|1968 CanLII 999 (AB CA)| CCC 149 (ABCA)}}{{perABCA-H|McDermid JA}} -- acquitted of drug possession as he had no control over drugs in vehicle he was in
See also {{CanLIIR|Pham|1m459|2005 CanLII 44671 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|Kozak J}}
</ref>

Proof of manual handling of the object does not necessarily imply control. There may be no control where the handling was for the sole purpose of turning it over to the authorities or to destroy it.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Terrence|1txhc|1983 CanLII 51 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Ritchie J}}
</ref>

It is not necessary that the accused actually examine or look at the item to be in possession of it. <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Daniels|1pxbl|2004 NLCA 73 (CanLII)|191 CCC (3d) 393}}{{perNLCA|Welsh JA}}{{atL|1pxbl|12}} (Nfld. C.A.)</ref>

A finding that the accused was in control of the vessel containing the object at issue, is not sufficient to establish control of the object itself.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Bertucci|1clq0|2002 CanLII 41779 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|O'Connor ACJ}}{{atL|1clq0|20}} - judge misdirected by stating they may find control if accused in control of vessel
</ref>

Simply being one of several persons residing in a residence is not enough to establish control.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Masters|g84ld|2014 ONCA 556 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}{{atL|g84ld|23}}<br>
</ref>
Control requires that the Crown "prove is that an accused had the ability to exercise some power (i.e., some "measure of control") over the item in issue.  It is not necessary for the Crown to prove that such power was in fact exercised."<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Wu|2f3r5|2010 BCCA 589 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Frankel JA}}{{atL|2f3r5|20}} ("The law with respect to control in the context of constructive possession is well known.  What the Crown must prove is that an accused had the ability to exercise some power (i.e., some measure of control) over the item in issue.  It is not necessary for the Crown to prove that such power was in fact exercised: ") - three adults lived in a house with a grow-op on the upper floor. No evidence of active involvement in grow-op.<br>
{{CanLIIR|Webster|21ls8|2008 BCCA 458 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Frankel JA}}{{AtsL|21ls8 |42| to 44}}<br>
</ref>
A "measure of control" does not require predominant control.<Ref>
{{CanLIIR|Dipnarine|gdths|2014 ABCA 328 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtABCA}}<br>
{{Supra1|Terrence}}<br>
</ref>
There must be the ability to "exercise a directing or restraining power" over the item.<ref>
{{ibid1|Dipnarine}}{{atL|gdths|18}}<br>
</ref>

A trier-of-fact may conclude that "someone living in premises in which marihuana plants or other illegal drugs are openly located is in a position to exercise some measure of control over those drugs."<ref>
{{ibid1|Wu}}</ref>

Control can be established by the fact that the accused had the ability to grant and withhold consent to contraband.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Savory|6j2v|1996 CanLII 2001 (ON CA)|94 O.A.C. 318}}{{TheCourt}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Sahlen| (2005), Carswell Alta. 2115 (ABQB)}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Chambers|1p702|1985 CanLII 169 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA-H|Martin JA}}{{atp|446}} - ostensible control of access to accused's room amounted to control over drugs found therein<br>
</ref>
This will include power to grant or withhold access to a residence.<Ref>
{{CanLIIR|Fisher|1ll2q|2005 BCCA 444 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Smith JA}} (3:0){{atL|1ll2q|41}}
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

==Specific Scenarios==
===Items Found in a Vehicle===
There are differing lines of cases on whether finding of an item within a motor vehicle owned and operated by an accused is ''prima facie'' proof of possession by the accused. <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Gallant v The Queen|htwjw|1960 CanLII 492 (NB CA)|128 CCC 129 (NB SCAD)}}{{perNBCA|Ritchie JA}}{{atp|131}} - presumption exists<br>
cf. {{CanLIIR|Lincoln|fsdh5|2012 ONCA 542 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}} - no presumption<br>
{{CanLIIR|Watson|flqtn|2011 ONCA 437 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Laskin JA}}{{atsL|flqtn|11| to 13}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Vauteur|htx1l|1969 CanLII 1012 (NB CA)|1 CCC 324}}{{perNBCA|Bridges CJ}}<br>
</ref>

Simply being a passenger is not ''prima facie'' evidence of possession of contraband inside.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Sigouin|htxbx|1964 CanLII 716 (QC CA)|[1966] 1 CCC 235}}{{perQCCA|Taschereau JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Sutherland et al.|1lzgk|2005 MBQB 230 (CanLII)}}{{perMBQB|Jewers J}}<br>
</ref>

"[M]ere passive acquiescence in the transportation of the drugs" is not sufficient <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Williams|6h0w|1998 CanLII 2557 (ON CA)|125 CCC (3d) 552}}{{perONCA|McMurtry CJ}}{{atp|558}}</ref> 

A sole occupant and driver in close proximity to drugs in plain view allows the inference of knowledge and control.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Mulligan-Brum|fnj57|2011 BCCA 410 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Levine JA}}{{atL|fnj57|13}}</ref>

The Crown must prove the accused knew of the presence of the drug in the vehicle and that that he had a measure of control over it.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Grey|6jd5|1996 CanLII 35 (ON CA)|[1996] OJ No 1106 (CA)}}{{perONCA|Laskin JA}}{{atL|6jd5|15}}
</ref>

However, "where one of two persons has opium in his custody or possession, another who knows that fact, even though he has no measure of control over it, but nevertheless co‑operates with the person who has such custody in an effort to prevent detection" that person has possession. <ref>
In {{CanLIIRP|Lou Hay Hung|g11xf|1946 CanLII 118 (ON CA)|85 CCC 308 (Ont. C.A.)}}{{perONCA|Robertson CJ}}</ref>

Where there are multiple occupants in a vehicle containing contraband, knowledge and consent can be inferred based on the relationship and mutual activities of the occupants as well as the vehicle's contents.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|McRae|g7bhh|1967 CanLII 440 (SK CA)|3 CCC 122 (Sask CA)}}{{perSKCA|Wood J}}
</ref>

A driver is not necessarily going to be in the same position as a passenger. The driver, often operating with the owner's consent, can determine who enters and stays in the vehicle. The pasture me "merely acquiesce" to the driver. <ref>
{{CanLIIR|Anderson-Wilson|27sk6|2010 ONSC 489 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Hill J}}
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

===Items Found in a Residence===
Items found in a house can be subject to constructive possession by a person residing there.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIR|Biggs|gvvf1|2016 ONCA 910 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|MacPherson JA}}<br>
</ref>
However, occupancy alone is not always sufficient to establish possession.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Grey|6jd5|1996 CanLII 35 (ON CA)|, 28 O.R. (3d) 417 (CA)}}{{perONCA|Laskin JA}} ("I would not prescribe a firm rule for inferring knowledge from occupancy")<br>
</ref>

Generally, personal papers are to be found in a location where a person has access and control.
It is a valid inference to infer that where documents such as “income tax forms, invoices, cancelled cheques, leases, insurance papers and the like” are found in a residence that the person identified in the documents is an occupant with “a significant level of control”.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Emes|1fbx0|2001 CanLII 3973 (ONCA)}}{{TheCourt}} at 8 <br>
{{CanLIIR|Basarowich|27ljt|2010 MBQB 4 (CanLII)}}{{perMBQB|Greenberg J}}{{atL|27ljt|26}}<br>
cf. {{supra1|Biggs}}<br>
</ref>

Mere presence in a residence and knowledge of the presence of contraband in the room or residence is not sufficient to establish possession, evidence must show control.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Colvin and Gladue|g9hqg|1942 CanLII 245 (BCCA)|78 CCC 282 (BCCA)}}{{perBCCA|McDonald CJ}} both accused persons were found visiting a premise where narcotics were present, found not in possession of the drugs<br>
{{CanLIIR|Edwards|fs0j4|2012 ONCJ 422 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ| Paciocco J}}{{atL|fs0j4|23}}<br>
</ref>

Frequently, drugs found in a house may be the subject of constructive possession of the resident.<ref>
{{supra1|Biggs}}<br>
{{supra1|Grey}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Pham|1m459|2005 CanLII 44671 (ON CA)|, 77 O.R. (3d) 401 (CA)}}{{perONCA|Kozak J}} aff’d [http://canlii.ca/t/1nnh1 2006 SCC 26] (CanLII), [2006] 1 SCR 940{{perSCC|McLachlin CJ}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Turner|fsk8j|2012 ONCA 570 (CanLII)|, 295 O.A.C. 274}}{{perONCA|Armstrong JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Savoury|, [2008] OJ No 2896 (S.C.)}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Allison|, 2016 ONSC 2446}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Possession of Firearms===

When considering the circumstances of a discovered firearm, factors to consider when drawing an inference of possession include:<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Anderson-Wilson|27sk6|2010 ONSC 489 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Hill J}}
</ref>
*The physical proximity of the fire run to the accused;
*The degree of visibility of the firearm
*The degree of communal use of A vehicle containing the firearm;
*The nature and number of weapons in a particular space;
*The nature of other items located proximate to the firearm capable of providing context for inferences of knowledge in control (E.g. binoculars, map, duct tape, masks etc.)

Generally, where the items hidden, more than physical proximity will be needed.<ref>
{{ibid1|Anderson-Wilson}}<br>
</ref>

Criminal responsibility for certain weapons offences such as s. 94(1) can be established by voluntary occupancy in a vehicle knowing there is a weapon inside does not require proof of control.<ref>
{{ibid1|Anderson-Wilson}}{{AtL|27sk6|68}} ("Criminal liability for voluntary occupancy in a vehicle knowing there is a weapon in the conveyance does not, unlike a possession charge, require proof of control")<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Possession of Drugs===
Possession of controlled substances can be made on the totality of the circumstances. 

A history of unexplained spending without a proportionate source of income can lead to an inference of possession of drugs found on the premises.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Ramos|ggmj0|2015 SKQB 57 (CanLII)}}{{perSKQB|Acton J}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}
===Other===
Knowledge may be inferred from physical possession of a receptacle containing concealed contraband, however, it cannot create a presumption.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Lincoln|fsdh5|2012 ONCA 542 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}{{atsL|fsdh5|2| to 3}}
</ref>

A passenger may be in possession of a stolen car. It depends on the number of factors suggesting knowledge and control. Suggested factors include:<ref>
{{CanLIIR|TAK|1kw1b|2005 BCCA 293 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Low JA}}</ref>
# recency of theft
# driver fled once there was a collision
# actions, demeanour and utterances of passenger suggesting knowledge and control
# fleeing from the car with the driver and attempt to dispose of evidence
# the passenger's ability to see the damage to the ignition from starting without a key

A mould capable of manufacturing counterfeit coins found buried in the backyard, without any other evidence, cannot be used to infer possession by the resident.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|MacLeod (J.M.) et al|fz8pz|2013 MBCA 48 (CanLII)}}{{perMBCA|Cameron JA}} citing 
{{CanLIIRP|Haggarty|gcjqp|1946 CanLII 367 (BCCA)|[1947] 3 DLR 335}}{{perBCCA|Sloan CJ}} ("...the mere finding of an article buried in the garden of a householder does not, in itself, and in the absence of some evidence indicating his knowledge of its existence, or consent to its remaining in that place, or some other surrounding circumstances from which a reasonable inference could be drawn inculpating the householder, ...")</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Case Digests==
* [[Possession (Cases)]]

==See Also==
* [[Recent Possession]] - extends liability where possession is recent in time to an index offence
* [[Continuity]]
* [[Proof of Ownership]]
* [[Possession and Access of Child Pornography]]