[discuss-dan] FW: Activists Denied Entry Into Canada

["Doug Bohm" <doug@denverradio.org>]

-----Original Message-----
From: 	worker-ftaa-l@lists.tao.ca
Sent:	Friday, February 02, 2001 5:50 PM
Subject:	(ftaa-l) Activists Denied Entry Into Canada

[Please forward far and wide, and apologies for the cross postings]
For those wondering:
On Jan. 26, ten New York City based activists traveled by van to Quebec
City, to take part in the CLAC and CASA sponsored "consulta"-  meetings
designed to facilitate coordination between Canadian and US activists for
the upcoming FTAA summit in April.
These activist, including members of the Urban Justice Center, NYC Direct
Action Network, NYC Ya Basta!  Collective,  Independent Media Center, as
well as independent activists, were denied entry into Canada.
Canadian border officials, upon refusal of entry, proceeded to search the
van, without consent, and went about the collection and copying of documents
relating to the organization of resistance to the FTAA. At no time did these
activists give consent to any actions on the part of the Customs officials.
Based on this and other reported incidents, several points should be
considered:
One: US activists wishing to travel to Quebec City in April will certainly
fall upon a border heavily sentried and surveyed. Access to Canada by
interstate highway will almost certainly lead to refusal of entry.
Two: However, chances of admittance will be increased depending on how
"normal" certain people tend to look, as well as factors such as numbers in
group, time of crossing, or obvious signs of political activism.
Three: As impractical as it may sound, leave political writings, flyers,
banners and such at home, or send them via postal mail to contacts in
Canada, as these items will surely "give one away" in the possible scenario
of a search at customs.
Four: Your chances of entry will also be increased if you travel alone, well
dressed, possibly by train or  bus (such as Greyhound). Destination other
than Quebec City should be a priority, such as Montreal or Toronto.
Five: Have a well thought out story, or a live contact in one of these
cities, who can give "credibility" to your story.
Six: Just don't go. Put your energy into a border action instead.

One final comment: Just prior to leaving the border and returning south, one
customs official remarked with cynicism, "It is my job to protect the
Canadian economy".
moose
NYC Ya Basta! Collective


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