Canada Inadmissability Changes

[Fisher-man]

I suppose this will probably interest only those of us affected by a DUI or other criminal history. And as those of us turned away at the border know, in Canada a DUI is the equivalent of a felony.

I don't think anyone wants to argue with their right to pass laws regarding drunk driving or how they view people trying to visit their country with what they consider a criminal history.

Anyway, after being treated like an Arab terrorist at the Fort Frances border crossing I vowed never to go back. This was about 3 years ago. My brothers, my son, my brother in law, some nephews and friends had been making the trip regularly before they turned me away at the border, so the whole group turned around and we haven't been back.

Canadian tourism views each of those turn arounds as a $6000 carload. And that has cost Ontario millions and millions of dollars in lost visits.

A group called Nature and Outdoors Tourism Ontario (NOTO) has been putting a lot of pressure on the border folks to treat people better. For us it wasn't the fact that I was deemed inadmissible, it was the way we were treated. Rude doesn't even come close to describing the behavior of the border agents.

Anyway, I spoke with the Executive Director of NOTO, a guy named Doug Reynolds. A really good guy who understands the issue very well. He says the word has come down from on high for the border folks to treat people in a polite and respectful manner.

They have instructed the immigration folks to issue a Temporary Residency Permit automatically to those individuals with a single infraction, no matter how recent. You will still have to do the $200 rehabilitation if your offense is between 5 and 10 years old. If less than 5 years old you can still be deemed acceptable, but the rules are less clear.

Anyway, looks like they are getting the message. The economic impact has been huge. Some say maybe $20,000,000 a year in lost revenue.

You can go to the NOTO website at www.noto.net for further clarification.

Looking forward to Lake of the Woods in September.

[lou gill]

It is beyond me why anyone goes to Canada, the attitude towards US citizens has worsened over the years, they want to be paid in US dollars and jump at any chance to gouge you for bait, beer.....in addition to not allowing any fish to be kept to bring home. The newest and lasted way to fine you is no beer in a boat, not even for shore lunch.....Really??

Go to Green Bay, Lake Erie, MN....support American Guides, hotels and resorts!

Just saying,

Lou

[ffishman]

Originally Posted by lou gill

It is beyond me why anyone goes to Canada, the attitude towards US citizens has worsened over the years, they want to be paid in US dollars and jump at any chance to gouge you for bait, beer.....in addition to not allowing any fish to be kept to bring home. The newest and lasted way to fine you is no beer in a boat, not even for shore lunch.....Really??

Go to Green Bay, Lake Erie, MN....support American Guides, hotels and resorts!

Just saying,

Lou

I agree!!!!

[v-bay gord]

Hey Fisher-man.......welcome back, and let's hope the process becomes even more tourism friendly in the future. Doug at NOTO is open to receiving calls from anyone who has similar concerns or needs some help.

To Lou and ffishman, you are entitled to your opinion, but you are missing out on a great experience......besides some lodges up here are actually owned by Americans (maybe they are the ones that tried to gouge you)

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

Well said V-Bay. We have had nothing but positive experiences in Canada.

[Fisherman1792]

Well, from my experience of crossing the border into the U.S. all have not been great experiences as well.

My truck has been searched numerous times at the border crossing at Rainy River from the U.S customs. Their attitude has sucked as well, and the last time I tried to cross there I got turned away (I have no record not even a DUI and declared everything I had on me, filled out paper work, etc) and still had to go back and money not being spent in Minnesota and they could use it.

So remember, it happens both ways!!!

Fisherman 1792

[JAY221]

Originally Posted by ffishman

I agree!!!!

You are entitled to your opinion. As far as I am concerned it is like comparing apples & oranges. I wouldn't trade the Canadian experience for any stateside fishing! Later, Jay

[Phil T]

My hassles have been returning home to the US. Every Canadian I've met was friendly, helpful, and pleasant. US Border Patrol, not so much.

[Shellback]

Originally Posted by Phil T

My hassles have been returning home to the US. Every Canadian I've met was friendly, helpful, and pleasant. US Border Patrol, not so much.

Same here. I have always been treated well by the Canadians, but when returning home, I dealt with some rude Americans. Not once has one said welcome home or anything related. Also what's with the US uniforms? They look like the Gestapo!

[northernbite]

Originally Posted by Shellback

Same here. I have always been treated well by the Canadians, but when returning home, I dealt with some rude Americans. Not once has one said welcome home or anything related. Also what's with the US uniforms? They look like the Gestapo!

Not so fast on that; this is what I've seen over the last few years. Attitudes are changing. I've been crossing going on 40+ years. I've crossed at the Soo, Ft Erie, Buffalo, and Maine. I've had 2 times that were not very friendly going into Canada and once coming back. The Soo seemed to be less friendly but the worst was in Ft. Erie. It was about cigarettes and I don't smoke and this was before 9-11.

They all have job to do, and I think "learning how to cross" is the best thing to do. Example, this year coming back in July guard asked if I had my trailer license number, I told her and she smiled and said, " I've been on duty the last 5 hours and your the first person that new their trailer number."
Over all I think it has got better. And yes the last time I came back I was told welcome home plus my buds in their truck where also told that. Maybe a new policy.

Paul