THUNDER BAY – LEGAL – In June 2014, CBSA officers at the Pigeon River port of entry (POE) processed 56,885 travellers in 55,290 vehicles, representing a three-percent increase in travellers and a one-percent decrease in vehicles from June 2013. More than 1,969 international travellers entered by bus.
Immigration highlights
In June, officers at the Pigeon River POE conducted more than 1,029 immigration interviews resulting in 23 Visitor Records, 12 Work Permits, and 12 Temporary Resident Permits. In 54 cases, individuals decided to voluntarily withdraw their applications to enter Canada.
On June 6, a male U.S. resident tried to enter Canada and was referred for an immigration examination. During the subsequent interview, the traveller denied ever being arrested. However, database checks showed that the individual was charged with Driving while Under the Influence in August 2013 and was still in court proceedings. The traveller was counselled on the steps required to overcome his inadmissibility. He was allowed to withdraw his application to enter Canada and he returned to the United States.
On June 7, the same U.S. traveller attempted to re-enter Canada at the Pigeon River POE. The inadmissible traveller did not have the required documentation to overcome his inadmissibility. He was once again referred for an immigration interview where officers issued an exclusion order which deems the traveller inadmissible to enter Canada for one year.
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 conducted approximately 4,925 secondary examinations for customs purposes or on behalf of other government departments, initiated seven seizure actions, one arrest and issued additional written warnings for undeclared or undervalued goods.
On June 8, two Canadian residents were referred to secondary. Upon examination, officers discovered suspected marijuana in the vehicle. The two individuals were arrested for possession of 17.8 grams of suspected marijuana. Brass knuckles were also found in the vehicle and were confiscated as they are prohibited from entering Canada. The travellers were fined $720.
On June 9, a returning Canadian resident declared a truck purchased in the United States for US$2,000 and provided a receipt. Officers suspected that the truck was undervalued and eventually determined that the individual actually purchased the truck for US$3,250. The truck was seized for undervaluation and was released back to the individual upon payment of $546 in penalties. Had the truck been declared at its proper value, the importer would have paid approximately $169 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.
