Over 100,000 processed here last month

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (December 28, 2012) - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) facilitates the entry of legitimate travellers and goods, while protecting the safety and security of Canadians and ensuring that Canada’s border is not used for illegal activity.

This work is carried out by CBSA border services officers who ensure that the people, goods and conveyances entering Canada meet all requirements and are compliant with Canadian law.

In November 2012, CBSA officers at the Sault Ste. Marie port of entry (POE) processed 110,817 travellers in 73,813 vehicles. The port also processed more than 444 international travellers arriving by bus.

Immigration highlights

In November, officers at the Sault Ste. Marie POE conducted more than 213 immigration interviews resulting in the issuance of seven visitor records, 11 work permits and four confirmations of permanent residency.

In addition, officers found 15 people with admissibility issues, and these individuals were given the option of voluntarily withdrawing their application to enter Canada.

On November 9, a U.S. resident was referred to Immigration for a secondary inspection as she stated she was moving to Canada.

Officers discovered that she was in violation of numerous immigration regulations: she did not have the proper documentation to enter Canada as a permanent resident or temporary resident, she was not able to take care of herself financially, she did not have a residence in the United States and she had a conviction of possession and distribution of a controlled substance.

She was deemed inadmissible to Canada due to her criminality and was advised that she would have to apply for individual rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate in the United States. She returned to the United States.

On November 16, a U.S. resident was referred to Immigration for a secondary inspection.

After completing a criminal database check, officers discovered that the traveller was convicted of assault with intent to rob with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, and theft in the United States.

He was deemed inadmissible to Canada due to his serious criminality and was advised that he cannot return to Canada without applying for individual rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate in the United States. He returned to the United States.

Customs highlights

During the month of November, CBSA officers conducted approximately 5,405 secondary examinations for customs purposes or other government departments, initiated eight seizure actions for various offences and one arrest for an outstanding warrant, and issued additional written warnings for undeclared or undervalued goods.

On November 6, a returning Canadian resident stated that he was bringing back an arc welder, a type of welding tool that he had sent out for repair.

When officers asked if he had proof of importation, the individual stated that a friend from the United States had brought it into Canada and sold it to him.

After further questioning, the individual admitted to picking up the arc welder for the first time that day.

The item was seized for inaccurate information and was released back to the traveller upon the payment of a $1441.12 penalty.

If the item had been properly declared, the traveller would have paid approximately $312 in taxes. 

On November 25, a returning Canadian resident declared US$900 in clothing purchased while in the United States.

After verifying the declaration, officers discovered additional items valued at US$416.55.

The clothing and vehicle were seized for non-report and were released back to the traveller upon payment of a $310.13 penalty.

Had the full amount been truthfully declared, the traveller would have paid approximately $54 in taxes.

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.

All firearms and weapons must be declared to a border services officer when you enter Canada.

Failure to do so could result in them being seized, and you may face criminal charges.

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 at:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2012/ob389.asp.