Canada

[Jocat54]

I don't want to start a fire here--but we are planning a trip from Texas to Maine and will be going into Canada a couple of times--my Sister and BIL are going with us and he is a retired cop (undercover narc) and goes no where without a gun. Should this be case of don't ask don't tell when crossing the border or do they make any exceptions for a retired law officer from the states?

Please don't turn this into a anti-gun discussion.

Thanks,

John

[CoastieSCPO]

They do not make exceptions for retired law enforcement officers. And why should they? He is going with you and if he is carrying a weapon and gets caught, he will be arrested and you may loose your Monoco. My advise, and I'm a retired LEO myself; don't do it!. We crossed into Canada four times last summer on our trip to Alaska and I would not even think about carrying. Canadian customs is serious about guns!

Just my two cents!

Bob

[Jimmy F]

Firearms
In Canada, possession and use of firearms is more strictly controlled than in the United States. Since January 2001, visitors bringing firearms into Canada, or planning to borrow or use firearms while in Canada, must make a declaration in writing on the appropriate forms, which must be signed by a border patrol officer at the point of crossing. If your firearms are not declared, they may be confiscated and will not be returned to you. Moreover, you could be arrested and face possible jail time.
If you are an American visiting Canada and you would like additional information on matters concerning travel to Canada, you can go to the Canadian Embassy’s website in order to find a bureau near you, or you can contact them at:
501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001
Telephone: 202-682-1740


Taken from Requirements for Americans Visiting Canada

Jimmy F

[RVhauler]

Long guns can only be taken into Canada for hunting purposes and must be registered prior to border crossing. Forms must be obtained well in advance. Costs $50 if remember correctly. Hand guns are a big no no (so is pepper sprays) and if caught they will confisticate entire rig and everything with it. (this includes just ammo also). and unless he is very lucky will be pounding rocks for a while. Don't even think of it. If he must carry and you are returning back at point of entry then suggest he rent a lock box on the US side and secure it until return from Canada or if you have friends on US side that it could be left with. Other than that he will just have to feel naked. Remember everyone must have a valid US passport to get back into the states or one of the passport cards

[1ciderdog]

OK - I am a retired federal law enforcement officer and I would never attempt to take a hand gun into Canada (or Mexico or any other foreign country). If caught the first thing they will say is there are no exceptions and he, as a law enforcement officer, should know better than violating the law of another country. If he must travel with a gun leave it on the US side of the border with a friend, relative or in a safe deposit box. Why should you take a chance of losing your RV not to mention the potential problems of many hours of litigation and attorney expenses, and, oh yes, many hours in a holding cell while they sort through things?
No matter how much we appear to be and are alike our Canadian neighbors do remember Canada is a foreign country. You can not look at it like crossing a state line in the lower 48. YES I AM ADAMANT - DON'T RISK IT. What do you think the US Customs (Homeland Security) would do to a person from Canada bringing in a firearm? I don't believe they would say "Oh, that's OK because you were a narc!" Yes at the very least a super major inconvenience and they would think initially conspiracies and other bad things. A very major inconvenience is an understatement. As a retired enforcement officer I do travel with a firearm but not to Canada and I don't/won't go to Mexico. (Sorry, sounds like I'm on a soap box but I have dealt with this type of problem on the US side of the border) A hunting rifle or shotgun can be taken into Canada but you need to look into that well ahead of time but I jumped to the conclusion he is thinking handgun.

[Stillwater]

[QUOTE=Jocat54;678285] Should this be case of don't ask don't tell when crossing the border or do they make any exceptions for a retired law officer from the states?


"don't ask don't tell" would be one of the bigger mistakes you could make in your life. Thinking your BIL has some sort of exemption would be another. Probably would compound the problem because he should know better. If he insists or tries to intimidate you into "smuggling" a weapon over the border, leave him south of the 49th and tell him to catch up where you reenter. The border patrol has no sense of humor, they've heard it all, seen it all and are well trained (this goes for both directions)As stated by others mace or pepper spray is considered a banned weapon which can lead to difficulties you don't want. On the other hand bear spray is readily available in Canada.

[RobRV]

Don't even think about bringing a Hand Gun into Canada! It doesn't matter what Your BIL is . Active or Retired Cops have no different rights than any other person.

[new rver]

i know not to bring weapons in to canada. my ? is do i have to or should you till the border officer that i have a ccw. and on the way back

[tncruiser]

what part of dont do it is misunderstood here???????
brianj

[Texas Bubba]

Quote:

Originally Posted by new rver i know not to bring weapons in to canada. my ? is do i have to or should you till the border officer that i have a ccw. and on the way back

If you don't have a weapon with you, why would you tell them you have a ccw???

[dajudge]

Don't be stupid and ignore Canadian law regarding hand guns. The Canadian people are very friendly and helpful, but remember it is another country. Obey their laws like they do when they visit us.

I am a retired La. State Police officer and with proper training and certification, I can carry a concealed weapon anywhere in the fifty states. Pay attention, I said fifty states, United States, not Canada.

Don't risk ruining a good vacation.

[Blue74]

Quote:

Originally Posted by new rver i know not to bring weapons in to canada. my ? is do i have to or should you till the border officer that i have a ccw. and on the way back

On the way back you would be talking to a US border Agent/Officer (think they go by officer now since they become Homeland). I would almost guarantee that if you told a Canadian Officer you have a CCW you will get the honor of a free vehicle check and they can be very through and they do not clean up after they are done, been there done that.

Also just a tip if you have a desk top / laptop they can look to see if there is any porn on it, a big NO NO.

[Jocat54]

Well thanks for all the responses--even the arrogant ones--a few of you were very nice in the way you responded and I appreciate that.

John

[RoyM]

I certainly would not consider any of the responses arrogant. The information regarding Canadian gun laws and rules regarding importing them are readily available on line. Read and heed.