Press Release
Canada Border Services Agency officers at the Fort Frances port of entry play a key role in enhancing the safety and protection of Canadians.
In January, CBSA officers in Fort Frances processed more than 36,000 travellers in over 27,000 vehicles, as well as 620 commercial drivers.
They also conducted 355 immigration interviews and performed more than 1,100 secondary exams.
Of the 355 immigration interviews, five individuals were granted work permits, five individuals received visitor records, 68 Remote Area Border Crossing permits were issued, six individuals were refused entry for criminality, and one individual was allowed to enter on a temporary visitor permit.
On Jan. 5, an Oregon resident seeking entry into Canada was referred for further questioning.
Subsequent background checks revealed this traveller had multiple criminal convictions in the U.S., including aggravated robbery, assault of a peace officer, receiving stolen property, theft, theft by cheque, disorderly conduct, and driving under the influence (DUI), as well as multiple probation violations.
He was reported as being criminally inadmissible and returned to the U.S.
Also on Jan. 5, a U.S. resident was refused entry due to three convictions for assault and battery in Michigan.
On Jan. 12, a Minnesota resident presented himself at the Fort Frances port of entry to determine whether he was admissible to Canada.
A background check showed a 2008 conviction for fraud, and the individual also had a DUI conviction on his record.
On Jan. 25, the CBSA received information of an outstanding arrest warrant for a Canadian citizen who was in the U.S.
The following day, the individual returned to Canada at the Fort Frances port of entry. An outstanding warrant for two counts of failure to attend court, under paragraph 145(5)(b) of the Criminal Code, was confirmed and the individual was placed under arrest.
And on Jan. 28, a Wisconsin resident presented himself at the Fort Frances port of entry for a snowmobiling and fishing trip to Nestor Falls.
Background checks revealed two previous convictions for driving under the influence and a third conviction for disorderly conduct.
The individual was unaware of his inadmissibility and was forthcoming with information regarding his convictions.
The individual was issued a Temporary Resident Permit for the duration of his trip and allowed into Canada since the convictions were more than 10 years old.
He also was counselled on the criminal conviction rehabilitation process and how to obtain rehabilitation for future trips.
The CBSA reminds all travellers to truthfully declare all purchases when returning to Canada and to be mindful of the following.
After an absence of 24 hours, you may bring back $50 worth of goods duty- and tax-free.
After 48 hours, your personal exemption is $400, and after an absence of seven days, you are entitled to $750 worth of duty- and tax-free goods.
There are no personal exemptions for same-day purchases.
