Some Odd questions from Canadian Customs
So as some of you may know I just completed the drive from Tucson to Fairbanks and you can see some pics and the details on my other post. But here I thought I would highlight some very ODD questions ...
Forum Discussion
Some of my crossings have been more interesting than others. I have received the same firearms questions as the OP mentioned. Normally the first questions you are asked, are to establish a base line for the agent. They are determine if the person talks slow or fast, do they pause before answering, do they make eye contact while answering, etc. once the simple, easy to answer questions have been asked, then come the important ones based on your computer screen, past work history, state of residence, type of vehicle, etc. From the changes in the responders answers, the agent is accessing the likelihood that the person is lying to them. Keep in mind, having a good sense of humor is not a requirement to work the border crossings for either country.
Both the US and Canada share computer information with each other. The last full search we received was by the Canadian agents at Beaver Creek, possibly because I am known to communicate with Sue T. At times. Or it may have just been my turn in the barrel. I get the same gun questions, do I have one with me? Do I own one? More than one? How many handguns do I own? The correct answer is 9, the Customs agent checked his screen and said that agreed with their information. Then asked why I didn't have one with me. My standard, truthful answer is I am not working this trip and it is against Canadian law for me to have one . In the olden days I have brought handguns with me into Canada on several occasions, and their computers never forget that. Probably till into the 70s, pilots of small aircraft, flying through Canada, to/from Alaska could have a firearm in their survival gear with no problem.
The best thing to do in crossing is to relax, be honest, don't elaborate your answers and enjoy the experience.
Both the US and Canada share computer information with each other. The last full search we received was by the Canadian agents at Beaver Creek, possibly because I am known to communicate with Sue T. At times. Or it may have just been my turn in the barrel. I get the same gun questions, do I have one with me? Do I own one? More than one? How many handguns do I own? The correct answer is 9, the Customs agent checked his screen and said that agreed with their information. Then asked why I didn't have one with me. My standard, truthful answer is I am not working this trip and it is against Canadian law for me to have one . In the olden days I have brought handguns with me into Canada on several occasions, and their computers never forget that. Probably till into the 70s, pilots of small aircraft, flying through Canada, to/from Alaska could have a firearm in their survival gear with no problem.
The best thing to do in crossing is to relax, be honest, don't elaborate your answers and enjoy the experience.
