Results: After a closure of almost 2 years, the Canada/US border is set to reopen in November 2021 creating a legal quicksand for Canadian snowbirds returning to Canada with the potential for fines of $5000.
Roger Iddison, 77, went with his wife Linda to visit their son in Portland, Oregon.
They hadn’t seen their son since 2019. They thought their tests were in order, before coming home, having asked for a PCR test at a pharmacy in the United States. When they landed in Vancouver, health officials told them it was the wrong test and they were fined a whopping $11,500. He doesn’t think he should have to pay for someone else’s mistake and says they weren’t trying to circumvent the proper process. COVID-19 testing rules for travellers are available online but they are confusing and conflicting. In a statement, Health Canada says it’s the traveller’s responsibility to know the rules but that “all persons issued a ticket for non-compliance have an opportunity to dispute their charges…” They are disputing their fines and believe officers should use discretion in deciding when a fine should be levied.
1.
1.
The Canadian government requires a COVID-19 PCR test result that is less than 72 hours old for Canadians returning to Canada by land, even if fully vaccinated. This is an almost impossible standard to meet and failure to do so carries a potential $5000 fine. The Canadian government, knowingly or otherwise, has targeted Canadian snowbirds for daring to spend their winters south of the Canada/USA border.
16%
•
366 votes
The PCR test requirement is needed to protect Canadians from returning snowbirds who are potentially infectious with COVID-19
25%
•
579 votes
The PCR test requirement punishes innocent Canadians with a $5000 fine even if they are fully vaccinated and have otherwise followed all COVID-19 protocols.
25%
•
572 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
•
23 votes
Not Applicable
44%
•
1004 votes
- this is just pcr test- not a big deal
- OK as long as they're fully vaccinated.
- All people violating the law should go to prison for at least 10 years
2.
2.
It is estimated that one million snowbird Canadians head south in an average pre-COVID-19 year spending more than $2 Billion when doing so. Knowing you have a potential $5000 fine awaiting you upon your return to Canada, is it worth the risk of heading south when the land border reopens? When I travel south I don't have a spare $5000 to pay the Canadian government when I return so I'm not going south while this requirement is there.
10%
•
219 votes
I am fully vaccinated and have followed all COVID-19 guidelines since the pandemic began. I plan to head south and take my chances when I return.
8%
•
191 votes
The Canadian governments regulations contradict each other and are very confusing. Canadian border guards are sure to be more understanding and flexible. Americans can get into Canada by land and so will returning Canadians.
12%
•
287 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
•
23 votes
Not Applicable
72%
•
1653 votes
- Nope
- didn't know that
- No
3.
3.
Does the PCR test requirement have anything to do with COVID-19 protection or Is it simply a way to dissuade Canadians from travelling outside of Canada and spending money elsewhere? PCR test requirement makes sense
41%
•
938 votes
It is a way to dissuade Canadians from travelling outside of Canada and spending money elsewhere
50%
•
1150 votes
Other (please specify)
9%
•
212 votes
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