Increased surveillance at border crossings is having an adverse effect on tourism in communities across the northwestern region, according to a coalition of representatives from chambers of commerce, town officials and travel associations.
An official with Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters says that Canada is getting a bad rap as an unfriendly place to visit because of the misinformation circulating in the mass media in the U.S. border states. More stringent measures, following the events of Sept. 11, give customs officers more time to check the admissibility of people rather than goods, and conduct background checks for convictions, such as impaired driving convictions.
The tourism industry reported lost revenues of about $9 million last year. An official with the Northwestern Ontario Tourist Association says neither tourist operators nor tourists were informed of the increased surveillance at border crossings.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration says the new immigration legislation that came into effect June 28 eases restrictions at border crossings.
Discretionary entry and minister's permits to enter into Canada now fall under one umbrella called a temporary resident permit, which is accompanied by a $200 fee.
The ministry advises tourists find out if they are admissible to Canada before arriving at the port of entry. Members of the coalition met with the commissioner of Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
