Border Crossing & OWI

[Fishoil]

I posted this on the Canada board and got no response , so I'll try it here. I'm heading back up in about 2 weeks and am curious if any problems were encountered by anyone. I don't know everyone in the group I'm going with, so I don't know if the OWI thing is an issue, but I want to be prepared.

I know this was a hot topic this spring, but I'm wondering what kinds of problems were encountered (if any)? I crossed in May with a group of 6 vehicles and had absolutely no problems, nobody in our group had ever had an OWI though. I would have to say that most of the border guards were even more courteous than usual. I cross 2-3 times per year and have almost always had no problems, so maybe I just don't fit the profile of the people they are looking for.

[Cantcross]

I can tell you from experience.
When checked at the border, if asked, every person in the party should absolutely deny ever being arrested (let alone convicted)
of any thing/anytime in their entire life.
The border patrol may not believe you and try to argue the point, however they have no way of absolutely knowing because our government does not share files of it's citizens with foreign countries.
Several years ago, when making my annual spring pilgramage to the pristine north, I was asked. I replied that I had been convicted of OUIL 12 years earlier as a 21 year old. That was the last time I was allowed to enter their paradise. If I would have known enough to lie, I would still be going. I have several friends who lie every time at this point, and still go every year. Honesty much not be honorable in Canada.
When talking to a U.S. border guard upon my last Can/US re-entry, he said that if we held Canadiens to such standards, their economy (and cheap U.S.shopping) would probably colapse.
Well Canada, I will keep my money to spend in other countries fishing (including my own), and you can just KISS MY ROSIE RED.
I have now visited several Central and South American countries where
my past transgressions as a youngster were not an issue.
And why is it that Canada is such a good drop off point for the terrorist regimes just waiting to hit the U.S.
If they start terrorizing you "OH CANADA", I for one would vote to let you fend for yourself and not use the U.S. military force to bail you punks out.

[Ed_Eye]

Everyone makes mistakes. You have make mistakes and I have made mistakes. Canada has made their share as well as the U.S. I am an a proud American, but we are as guilty, and in some case more so, than the next guy. Don't hate all Canadians because of one bad instance.

Be Good To Others....It Pays

Ed

[Peanut]

You can do a quick archive search - I know some reports about border crossings were posted in late June. The general tenor seemed to be less problems than feared.

Also, post a question for Phidelt157 (I think that's the correct handle) - no one worked harder to get information on this topic over the past several months, and he should be back from his trip by now.

Also, you may need to try a fresh post (again). Cantcross did you no favours with his reply. Most folks here don't bother responding when they see garbage like that.

I hope you find the answers you need before you leave. And, good fishig when you get there.

derrek.

"I'll teach these eyes to see,
beyond these walls in front of me"
- Bruce Springsteen, "Trapped"

[Dave in Mpls]

This post should provide some entertaining reading:

http://www.walleyecentral.com/cgi-bin/dcf/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=2149&forum=canada

Also, go the the Canada board and run a search for DUI, DWI or similar, and you should get enough hits to keep you busy for a week.

Regards

[Kodiac]

First let me tell you that I believe that the border patrol can run your drivers lic. # to find out about prievious convictions. But I'm not sure. If you are going in the near future, forget it. It will take at least 3 months to obtain permission for entry.
Cantcross, I understand your anger but it's the Canadian Govt's. fault not their residents.
I too was turned away for an old infraction (impaired driving which is
not as severe in the U.S. but treated the same in Canada as ouil.)I loved my twice a year trips fishing in Ontario so I requested the proper forms for application to enter. The problem was obtaining the
needed documentation required concerning my 20+ year conviction. I talked to an attorney who told me that it would cost me at least $7500.00 for him and the courts to either dig up the old paperwork (which require a court order), or to possibly obtain a pardon from my state.
I am a man of modest means, so that made the decision for me. Unless these rules are relaxed, I will no more be venturing to Canada. Shame too.
I have a question though that maybe someone out there can answer: If a canadian (with a prior OUIL or similar conviction, or is arrested while in the U.S.) crosses into the U.S. for a vacation and is checked by Canadian customs upon re-entry, is he turned away as a undesireable until he sends in the appropriate paperwork and fees?