Overall Border Numbers Fluxuating
THUNDER BAY – LEGAL – In June 2014, CBSA officers at the Fort Frances port of entry (POE) processed 138,682 travellers in 66,729 vehicles, representing a two-percent increase in travellers and a one-percent decrease in vehicles from June 2013. More than 617 international travellers entered by bus.
In June 2014, CBSA officers at the Rainy River port of entry (POE) processed 32,174 travellers in 17,894 vehicles, representing a one-percent decrease in travellers and a one-percent increase in vehicles from June 2013.
Immigration highlights
In June, officers at the Fort Frances POE conducted more than 2,658 immigration interviews resulting in four Visitor Records, 53 Work Permits, and 52 Temporary Resident Permits. In 58 cases, individuals decided to voluntarily withdraw their applications to enter Canada.
During the same period, officers at the Rainy River POE conducted more than 200 immigration interviews resulting in one Study Permit, one Work Permit, and seven Temporary Resident Permits. In eight cases, individuals decided to voluntarily withdraw their applications to enter Canada.
On June 7, a group of six individuals from the United States arrived at the Fort Frances POE seeking entry into Canada for one week. They were referred for an immigration interview. During the exam, CBSA officers discovered that they were actually a group of maintenance workers contracted by a cabin owner to perform renovations on his property. They were importing approximately $20,000 worth of materials such as toilets, countertops and flooring. None of the individuals were in possession of valid work permits, nor had they indicated that the purpose of their trip was to work. The individuals were deemed inadmissible for seeking to work illegally in Canada. They were allowed to voluntarily withdraw their application to enter Canada and subsequently returned to the United States with their building supplies.
On June 27, a U.S. resident was seeking entry into Canada at the Fort Frances POE and was referred for an immigration interview. During the interview, officers discovered that the traveller had convictions for Driving Under the Influence, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest and four counts of sexual imposition. The individual stated that he did not recall any of these incidents and was not forthcoming with any details. He was deemed inadmissible to Canada due to serious criminality. He was allowed to withdraw his application to enter Canada and returned to the United States.
Certain foreign nationals who do not meet the requirements to overcome their criminal inadmissibility may be allowed to enter Canada with a one-time only fee-exempt temporary resident permit. For more information, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site.
Customs highlights
In June, CBSA officers at the Fort Frances POE conducted approximately 7,808 secondary examinations for customs purposes or on behalf of other government departments, initiated 28 seizure actions, three arrests and issued additional written warnings for undeclared or undervalued goods. CBSA officers at the Rainy River POE conducted approximately 1,777 secondary examinations for customs purposes or on behalf of other government departments.
On June 3, a Canadian resident arrived at the Fort Frances POE and was referred for a secondary examination as officers had received a tip that this traveller was spotted removing goods from boxes, discarding the boxes and concealing various items. During the search, officers found $835.46 worth of numerous undeclared fishing rods and bait. The items were seized for non-report and were released back to the traveller upon payment of a $628 penalty. Had all the goods been declared properly, the applicable taxes would have amounted to approximately $108.
On June 10, a returning Canadian resident declared a boat, motor and trailer package purchased in the United States, and paid the applicable taxes. After further processing, officers at the Fort Frances POE discovered that additional goods, including fishing gear and lifejackets totalling $565.34, were purchased and were not declared. The goods were seized for non-report and were released back to the individual upon payment of a $169.60 penalty. Had all the goods been declared properly, the applicable taxes would have amounted to $73.49.
Travel Tips
The CBSA reminds travellers to truthfully declare all purchases and goods received outside of Canada upon their return. Smuggling, undervaluation and other Customs Act offences may lead to seizure and/or prosecution in a court of law.
