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Unrealistic Fear?

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Frenchy19

07/10/2012 12:01PM

Okay, I have wanted to go into the Q for a long time, but I've been afraid to apply for the permits due to a couple of DWIs that I had back in college in 1983 and 1984. I know that is a long time ago, but I hear stories about people who've been turned back at the border or who were not granted the RBAC permit due to previous DWIs. Given this, I've been incredibly reluctant to plan any trips as I would be really bummed if my past somehow screwed up someone else's trip.

Anyone willing to share any stories or offer advice?

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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2K10

07/10/2012 12:22PM

In the past it would have been an issue and you would have to apply for "rehabilitation" with the Canadian Officials. We encountered a similar an issue with my boyfriend as well. The whole process of being allowed in with any "criminal" record is a PIA and from i've read from others, the rehabilitation permit (or whatever it's called) is expensive.

However, the good news is, I THINK they changed the rules this year in regards to DWI's. There was a thread talking about this maybe about 6 months ago, but in doing a quick search I can't find which one it's in (tried both this forum and the private one). I had posted part of an email I received from someone who confirmed this via a contact who was part of getting the new policy approved. So you may want to contact Canada about it, I think/hope you'd be okay now.

"Live in the Moment: You can't change yesterday, but you can ruin today worrying about tomorrow"

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Goby

07/10/2012 12:23PM

I would apply for the RABC first (assuming you are going in through PP and not driving across the border) and see what happens. I've heard mixed stories as well, but I also know that Canada is working on eliminating this problem for visitors coming into Canada, but I don't think it has passed yet. If you get the RABC, go ahead and get your permit and you'd be all set.

Tight Lines

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bojibob

Moderator

07/10/2012 12:31PM

My understanding on the DWI issue is in the past 10 years.

I would give them a call and hear what your status would be directly from them.

Canada Border Services Agency
201 North May Street
Thunder Bay ON P7C 3P4
Telephone: 807-624-2162
Toll Free: 1-877-854-RABC

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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Frenchy19

07/10/2012 12:56PM

quote bojibob: "My understanding on the DWI issue is in the past 10 years.

I would give them a call and hear what your status would be directly from them.

Canada Border Services Agency
201 North May Street
Thunder Bay ON P7C 3P4
Telephone: 807-624-2162
Toll Free: 1-877-854-RABC"
This is probably the best approach; direct as possible and going right to the source. I'll make the call later today and post what I learn.

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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tumblehome

07/10/2012 01:19PM

I totally agree with the above posts. And you've been agonizing for all these years wondering what's on your record so now is the time time find out. I'm betting that they won't show up if you do a background search on yourself. Until the digital age, those records were stored in a file of the county where the crime occurred and until they put that stuff in a data base, they won't show up.

With that said, it's time to find out for sure. Make the call. And when you are set free from the old days you can enjoy the greatness of Quetico. I really do feel bad for you or anyone that had a black eye from way back. Sometimes it should just be let go. Pedophiles and other bodily crimes against people are exempt.

Good luck. Make the call.

Tom

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billconner

07/10/2012 03:49PM

from http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/inadmissibility/index.asp

I was convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Am I criminally inadmissible?I was convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Am I criminally inadmissible?

If you have been convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, you will probably be found criminally inadmissible to Canada.

What is the new policy on criminal inadmissibility?What is the new policy on criminal inadmissibility?

Normally, if you have been convicted of an offence, such as mischief or driving under the influence, you cannot enter Canada without a permit that has a processing fee of C$200. However, in line with Canada’s Federal Tourism Strategy, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency may now make it easier for you to enter Canada.

Starting March 1, 2012, you may be able to get a temporary resident permit for one visit without having to pay the C$200 processing fee. To be considered under this policy, you must

•have served no jail time, and
•have committed no other acts that would prevent you from entering Canada.

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timatkn

07/10/2012 04:07PM

I doubt you would have a problem. If you apply for the RABC I am 99% sure they would give it to you. That's all you need unless you do a northern entry.

When you apply for an RABC they are supposed to do a full background check. I don't think those old DWI's show up, at least that has been the case for friends of mine. If you pass the RABC then there will be no problems at the border either.

My advice, FWIW, is to apply for the RABC. If you get it then you know you are good.

Yes you can call and talk to an official but sometimes you don't get the right answer, you just get the answer that person thinks is right or their interpretation. Also if you call and give your info does that unnecessarily put you on their radar???

T

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Frenchy19

07/10/2012 04:39PM

quote timatkn: "I doubt you would have a problem. If you apply for the RABC I am 99% sure they would give it to you. That's all you need unless you do a northern entry.

When you apply for an RABC they are supposed to do a full background check. I don't think those old DWI's show up, at least that has been the case for friends of mine. If you pass the RABC then there will be no problems at the border either.

My advice, FWIW, is to apply for the RABC. If you get it then you know you are good.

Yes you can call and talk to an official but sometimes you don't get the right answer, you just get the answer that person thinks is right or their interpretation. Also if you call and give your info does that unnecessarily put you on their radar???

T"
Good points...I have yet to call, and am contemplating the RABC application, even if I don't use it.

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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GraniteCliffs

07/10/2012 06:45PM

I used to run Minnesota record checks for my work in Corrections. If you ran yours today I would bet the rent those two DWIs would not appear. They have time-frames where they are removed from your record although I do not recall what those time-frames are. Our experience led us to believe that other states were no better or worse than Minnesota.
I take a Q trip each year with a guy that had one DWI about the same time as you and he has gotten an RABC for years and years.
Apply now for your RABC for peace of mind. Besides, it is good for a year so you can get it now and use it next year.

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GraniteCliffs

07/10/2012 06:59PM

If they were in Minnesota you might try this link to record check yourself online.
https://cch.state.mn.us/

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Frenchy19

07/10/2012 07:17PM

Thanks to all who have replied! I am going to apply for the RABC and see where the chips fall.

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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mr.barley

07/10/2012 07:18PM

A guy in our group got his RABC 5 years after a DUI several years ago. He didn't end up useing it, but he still got it.

Because I'm wearing one and I just did....

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Frenchy19

07/11/2012 12:31PM

Sent in the RABC application earlier today...we'll see how it goes.

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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bojibob

Moderator

07/11/2012 02:52PM

quote Frenchy19: "Sent in the RABC application earlier today...we'll see how it goes."

Did you call or just roll the dice on the $30CAD?

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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tumblehome

07/11/2012 02:57PM

quote Frenchy19: "Sent in the RABC application earlier today...we'll see how it goes."

Excellent! Please let us know when it arrives. They usually come pretty quick, about three weeks.

The waters of Quetico taste so sweet and the air so pure to your soul.

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bojibob

Moderator

07/11/2012 04:39PM

quote tumblehome: "quote Frenchy19: "Sent in the RABC application earlier today...we'll see how it goes."
Excellent! Please let us know when it arrives. They usually come pretty quick, about three weeks.

The waters of Quetico taste so sweet and the air so pure to your soul."
It's alway nice when the "Cult" can gain new members...

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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Frenchy19

07/11/2012 04:47PM

quote bojibob: "quote Frenchy19: "Sent in the RABC application earlier today...we'll see how it goes."
Did you call or just roll the dice on the $30CAD?"
I chickened out and mailed in the 30 bucks...

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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bojibob

Moderator

07/11/2012 04:53PM

quote Frenchy19: "quote bojibob: "quote Frenchy19: "Sent in the RABC application earlier today...we'll see how it goes."

Did you call or just roll the dice on the $30CAD?"

I chickened out and mailed in the 30 bucks..."

My crystal ball tells me that you will get an RABC.

A tip, I tracked mine vs Certified Mail and it took 8 days to get there (from South Dakota) and bang they hit my debit for the coin. Total time Door to Door was 18 days (June 2012).

Once you see that, wait a day or two and call them at the number I provided and they will probably tell you it's in the mail. I had called to check on a friend who was in the same boat....sorta.

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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timatkn

07/11/2012 05:14PM

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Goby

07/12/2012 12:55PM

quote bojibob: "quote tumblehome: "quote Frenchy19: "Sent in the RABC application earlier today...we'll see how it goes."
Excellent! Please let us know when it arrives. They usually come pretty quick, about three weeks.

The waters of Quetico taste so sweet and the air so pure to your soul."
It's alway nice when the "Cult" can gain new members..."

Amen. Mine took 14 days door to door, my buddy just got his and they did it in 10. I bet you get it...now time to start talking trip plans :)

Tight Lines

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Chicken

07/13/2012 07:50AM

I would be stunned if you did not get your permit. A guy in our group applied for an RABC 2 years after getting his DUI and got his permit. His has continued to get a permit every for the last 4 years. I am curious to see if he will be able to get across the border with the new rules, allowing Americans to have one DUI.

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Frenchy19

07/13/2012 10:06AM

quote Chicken: "I would be stunned if you did not get your permit. A guy in our group applied for an RABC 2 years after getting his DUI and got his permit. His has continued to get a permit every for the last 4 years. I am curious to see if he will be able to get across the border with the new rules, allowing Americans to have one DUI."

Once mine hopefully arrives, I will be browsing this forum for route advice...!

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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Frenchy19

08/11/2012 07:03PM

It arrived!! Just returned from a week long family trip in the Ely area, and when I checked the mail, my first ever RABC permit was waiting for me! Very, very excited.

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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bojibob

Moderator

08/11/2012 09:23PM

Welcome future Q Snob Member :-)

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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timatkn

08/12/2012 09:45AM

Awesome! Thanks for the update.

T

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George

08/23/2012 03:34PM

Nice!

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GraniteCliffs

08/23/2012 07:34PM

Time to drink the Quetico Kool-Aide.

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TeamTuna06

08/23/2012 09:39PM

Congrats!

I know the feeling...had to jump through some hoops for a minor consumption 10 years ago when I was in college. Glad to have straightened it out...the Q is worth the hassle.

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles." -Doug Larson

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Jackfish

Moderator

08/23/2012 11:40PM

quote bojibob: "Welcome future Q Snob Member :-)"
LOL... what Boji said. :) Congrats!

It's only a spot on the map... until you go there.

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tumblehome

08/25/2012 04:08PM

Now you can put all those thoughts behind you of your past misgivings. You are on the straight and narrow as far as Canada is concerned. Now go use that RABC and enjoy the beauty of the Q!

Tom

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Frenchy19

08/25/2012 06:11PM

Very much looking forward to using the permit! Thinking about a trip over MEA weekend. Only problem is I have to attend meeting on Thursday, and I do not think I can do much in 3 days. Perhaps if I am sick on Thursday and Monday...

That's still a short stint. Is there any route that I can do solo reasonably in 4 days? Time to take out the maps!

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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