Ward got his Saskatchewan safety inspection manual. Section 1 powertrain, subsection 7 says:
Front/rear spindles/axles
Visually and audibly inspect:
a) condition
b) seals
c) wheel bearings
Reject if:
a) - bent, welded
b) - missing, leaking, installed incorrectly
C) - play exceeds manufacturer's specifications, excessive noise
Ward says this manual is the 2006 version and prior to the previous revision (2002 or 2004ish) it would have been okay to weld on the axle but thats no longer allowed.