Deployment FAQ

Q: What are the hours of the PEI MFRC?
A.  The PEI MFRC has one location in Charlottetown.  Click here for hours of operation.

Q: Are wrapping supplies provided?

A. Yes.  We have wrapping supplies available for your convenience.  (e.g., tape, paper, scissors).

Q: Can I send liquids (e.g.,  beverages, hot sauce, pop, etc.)?

A.   No. Liquids are a prohibited item. See the prohibited items list below.

Q: What is the mailing address for my deployed military member?
A.   Your mailing address will be one of the following, depending on where your military member is deployed:

RANK / NAME / INITIAL
HMCS (SHIP’S NAME), MESS #
PO BOX 17000 STN FORCES
VICTORIA, BC
V9A 7N2

OPERATION NAME (####)
RANK / NAME / INITIAL
PO BOX (####), STN FORCES
BELLEVILLE, ONT
K8N5W6

RANK / NAME / INITIAL
HMC HALIFAX, MESS #
PO BOX 99000, STN FORCES
HALIFAX, NS
B3K 5X5

Q: Why do I have to list the contents on the box?

A.  Contents are listed on the box to help the Canadian Forces Postal Office know what to expect to see when they x-ray the parcel.  If they see something on the x-ray that wasn’t listed on the contents list they will pull the package aside and contact the sender.

Q: Why do I have to put my phone number on the box?
A.  Phone numbers must be on the box so that the Canadian Forces Postal Office can contact the sender if any questions arise from the x-ray photos. CFPO can call the sender to confirm items in the parcel and acknowledge that items are ok to be sent.  If items are deemed prohibited, CFPO can call the sender to arrange for the parcel to be sent back or CFPO may dispose of the items.

Q: Do I have to pay if mailing through Canada Post?
A.  Yes.  There may be exceptions for Christmas parcels, check with your local MFRC for information.

Q: If mailing through Canada Post, how much does it cost?
A.  Regular Canada post rates will apply when shipping through Canada Post. However, you only pay the cost from your location to the Canadian destination of that parcel, not the location of your deployed member.

Q: How many parcels can I send?
A.  The number of parcels is unlimited. Multiple smaller parcels are preferred to one large parcel.

Q: Are there defined size and weight limits for my parcels?
A.  Size: Maximum dimensions for a parcel are as follows: length = 100cm, width = 40cm and height = 40cm. The maximum weight for parcels is 20 kilograms.  Click here for more information.

Q: Can I send powders (e.g., protein powder, foot powder, baby powder)?
A.  The sender will have to verify if these items are acceptable in the country where the member is deployed or visiting.  Usually, Middle Eastern countries don’t allow any powders, this would include foot and protein powder. If the family member wants to send these items they can, however, they just have to remember that those items, if prohibited, may be seized at the border of these countries. It’s different if the member orders the item from a supplier and has it shipped to themselves vs a family member purchasing it and sending out as morale mail. Suppliers are licensed to sell and ship these items. Our suggestion, when sending powder items is to send in their own box to avoid seizure of your entire morale mail contents.

Q: Can I, as the military member, order items online to be shipped through the morale mail system?
A.  Yes, if ordering from a company such as Amazon that will accept the PO Box STN Forces address, these items will be accepted at the main gate and processed at the Canadian Forces Postal Office. Please note: You may have difficulties ordering items from other companies that do not accept the PO Box Station Forces as a delivery address.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The following articles are prohibited in morale mail and are likely to be rejected by the Canadian Forces Postal Office:

  • Tobacco including the following: electronic smoking products (electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes and the liquid cartridges)
  • Articles which are obscene / immoral
  • Compressed gases (aerosols)
  • Flammable liquids or solids (lighter fluid, matches)
  • Corrosive liquids or solids (bleach, acids, ammonia)
  • Explosives
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Drugs and narcotics (including prescription drugs)
  • Perishable items (fruit, meat)
  • Batteries (fluid, lithium)
  • Cologne, perfume, essential oils
  • Fireworks
  • Hairspray
  • Ink 
  • Water pistols 
  • Knives 
  • Liquids of any kind 
  • Weapon replicas (e.g. Nerf guns, plastic knives, etc.) 
  • Essential oils

Note: It is the sender’s responsibility to know what is acceptable to send in the mail to that country.

RESOURCES

Preparing for Deployment (PEI)

Coping During Deployment (PEI)

Reuniting After Deployment (PEI)

Addresses for overseas operations and postings

Postal Information for HMC Ships on Deployment

Postal Information for Terra Firma Members on Deployment

Postal Information for MV Asterix

Postal Restrictions for All Countries

Postal Restrictions for United States of America

Canada Post Information on Morale Mail

 

Drop off your package ready to go at the PEI MFRC office in Charlottetown with a customs declaration form.