The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is pleased to share a sample of January 2014 highlights from its border crossings in Manitoba. This sampling underscores the CBSA’s commitment to keeping communities safe and ensuring our laws are respected.
At Emerson, the province’s busiest port of entry, CBSA officers processed 57,415 travellers, 16,278 cars and 15,310 commercial trucks in January. In total, more than 110,000 people entered Canada at one of the Southern Manitoba’s 16 land ports of entry in almost 41,000 cars and 21,800 commercial trucks.
CBSA officers also refused entry to 60 people for various reasons, including criminality. They issued 85 work permits, 14 study permits and granted permanent resident status to 121 people. There were also eight seizure actions that resulted in $1,675 in penalties for travellers who either undervalued or did not declare their goods.
Here are some additional highlights demonstrating how CBSA officers in Manitoba are working to protect the safety and security of Canadians.
Emerson West Lynne
On January 4, a 57-year-old Minnesota man tried to enter Canada. CBSA officers determined he had convictions for theft, criminal sexual conduct and burglary. He was refused entry and returned to the United States because of his criminality.
On January 10, a 58-year-old California man was delivering a commercial load to Manitoba. He told CBSA officers he had been arrested once for drunk driving; however, background checks revealed that he had also been charged with illegal entry in the United States, assault, rape, alien smuggling, lewd acts with a child and other crimes. The man said he had forgotten about these offences. Officers refused him entry and returned him to the United States.
On January 12, a 30-year-old U.S. man was delivering a commercial load to Alberta. He admitted to convictions of drunk driving and domestic assault, which made him inadmissible to Canada. CBSA officers explained how to apply for rehabilitation and returned him to the United States.
On January 13, a U.S. man was travelling with his wife and they declared two packs of cigars. During a secondary examination, CBSA officers found almost six grams of suspected marijuana with paraphernalia, and more than five grams of suspected hashish in a purse and in the vehicle. The man claimed ownership of the drugs. The drugs and his vehicle were seized and a $450 penalty was issued for the return of his vehicle. The man was then turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
On January 14, a Manitoba man declared a French bulldog puppy at US$700. He claimed the puppy was a runt and unregistered, constituting a low price. The traveller was unable to provide information on the seller. CBSA officers found a separate bill of sale in the van’s glove box for US$1,600, and the man admitted he was trying to save money. He was issued a penalty of more than $600 and continued into Canada. If he had been truthful, he would have paid approximately $75 in goods and services tax (GST).
On January 18, a 53-year-old Washington man sought entry into Canada. He told CBSA officers he had been convicted of burglary and two drunk-driving charges. They explained the requirement for a rehabilitation waiver because of his criminality, and returned him to the United States.
On January 24, a North Dakota man failed to declare an electric guitar and instrument accessories worth more than $1,050 combined that he was planning to leave with friends in Canada. He was issued a penalty of almost $275. Had he been truthful, we would have paid approximately $50 in GST.
On the same day, a 59-year-old Michigan man was delivering a commercial load to Manitoba, and told CBSA officers he had only one criminal charge or conviction. However, CBSA officers found he had been arrested for multiple alleged sex assaults, indecent exposure, weapons offences and other offences. They also determined he was also a registered sex offender. Officers found him inadmissible due to criminality and returned him to the United States. They advised him not to try to enter Canada again.
Boissevain
On January 23, a Manitoba woman was returning to Canada with a box of vitamins she declared at $150. She initially said she did not have an invoice, but after further questioning by CBSA officers, presented one of more than US$750. The woman was issued a penalty of almost $200 and continued into Canada. If she had been truthful about her declaration, she would have paid less than $50 in GST.
Sprague
On January 31, a Minnesota man and three passengers were entering Canada. They declared six cases of beer, but upon secondary investigation, CBSA officers also uncovered more than five litres of whiskey in the cargo carrier attached to their vehicle. Officers seized the undeclared alcohol and the group was allowed to continue into Canada.
