Well yes, mine is still firmly fixed to the car, but it has a gaping hole in it, so its not working, and yeah, it can be removed, as the car runs fine without it.
Best to remove the bumper to get to it
then just connect the in and out pipes up. And bobs your uncle and fannys you aunt. I still have mine connected, but with a hole in it, and it runs fine. Its a bit sluggish but i think it needs new plugs etc. Not c/canister related.