The Wine Knows

Looks like there are overzealous Border Guards on both sides of the line:

http://thetyee.ca/News/2007/04/23/Feldmar/

Once again, "Bureaucratic B.S." rears it's ugly head...which reminds me, where's that Osama Bin Laden that started all of this nonsensical lunacy with security? And, just "What the Hell" does all this have to do with Wine? Show your politico-economic muscle, BOYCOT SAUDI WINES! Better yet, invade CANADA for another "Mission Accomplished" photo-op. And always remember, "IN WINE THERE IS TRUTH"

My wife and I have been visiting the Okanagan Valley for the last three years. We enjoy the wines, people, and the area. Because of a major slip in judgment on my behalf, we will miss visiting the region.

Thinking about traveling to our “friendly” neighbors to the north, Canada?

You better reconsider if you have been convicted of DWI or DUI in the United States within the last ten years. A person convicted of either offense is considered inadmissible to Canada.

In October ’06 my wife and I were traveling to Vancouver, BC. While clearing Canadian customs at Vancouver International Airport we were selected for additional screening by immigrations. We figured no big deal, just a random check. We were asked numerous questions, one of which was, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” I replied I had been convicted of a DUI in the year 2001. No accident was involved. I have no other criminal violations. It was in fact the only moving traffic violation I have received in my 38 years of driving. To my astonishment, I was told I could not enter Canada! I was flabbergasted! I questioned the immigration officer as to what if any my alternatives were. There were only two alternatives: Return to the U.S. or he would do me a “favor” and issue me a “Temporary Resident Permit” for the fee of $180 USD. I was angry enough to simply return to the U.S., but that would cost us a last minute one-way airfare for two, the forfeit of our hotel deposit and return portion of our airfare, not to mention ruining our planned one-week vacation at Whistler. I swallowed my pride and embarrassment, and reluctantly handed over the $180. By the way, this permit was only valid for this one visit.

Upon returning to the good old USA I did a little research. The immigration officer did indeed do me a favor. “Leisure travel and tourism are not considered a compelling reason to warrant issuance of a Temporary Resident Permit.” Basically, Canadian law does not let you enter the country for at least five years from date of your conviction! After this five-year waiting period (assuming you have not been convicted of another offence) you can apply for “Criminal Rehabilitation” by submitting the following:
1. An application form IMM 1444E
2. A passport size photograph
3. A copy of your passport data page
4. An FBI police certificate. $18.00 plus the cost of obtaining fingerprints.
5. A State police certificate from every State in which you have lived in for more than 6 months since the age of 18. (note: each state charges a fee from $0 - $50.00.
6. Copies of court documents indicating the charge, section of law violated, the verdict, and sentencing.
7. Proof of completed sentences, paid fines, court costs, ordered treatments, etc.
8. Copies of the text of the law describing the offence.
9. Detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the offence.
10. Three letters of reference from responsible citizens.
11. A non-refundable processing fee of $180 USD.

Approximate total cost for me to ask the Canadian government for “forgiveness”: $254 plus. Excuse me, but doesn’t this seem a bit of “overkill”? A DUI is not a minor offense but the above process appears to be more appropriate for a rapist or child molester. In order for me to visit Canada I must comply with the above or wait the required ten-year period from the date of my conviction. We normally visit Canada at least two or more times yearly for a total stay of approximately three weeks. I would guess we spend several thousand dollars for Canadian services and products during these visits. I will not comply with Canada’s ridiculous “Criminal Rehabilitation” procedure so we will reluctantly wait until sometime after Feb. 2012 to return. To quote John Stossel, a reporter for ABC’s 20/20 television news show, “Give me a Break!”

Further information can be found at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/conviction.html#deemed