Hundreds of alleged fraudulent COVID-19 test results and vaccination records have been confiscated by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) from individuals seeking to enter the country.
According to a spokesperson for the agency, as of October 31, border officers have confronted 374 suspected falsified COVID-19 test results at ports of entry. Out of which 160 at airports and 187 at land crossings and captured 92 suspected false proof-of-vaccination cards. The department did not disclose a summary of the cases, particular ports of entry, or likely countries of origin for the forged passports.
Canadians who enter the nation with fraudulent COVID-19-related records are allowed to stay because they have the right of entry, but border authorities will report them to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), which has the power to investigate and impose fines. Non-Canadians may be refused entry.
PHAC is investigating a number of cases after issuing seven fines for potentially fabricated or misleading COVID-19 test results between January 6 and November 12. Between July 6 and November 12, the PHAC said it issued two fines for alleged false or fake vaccination certificates.
International visitors who are not excluded from vaccine requirements and desire to enter Canada must produce proof of immunisation as well as a negative COVID-19 molecular test result unless they are reentering the country within 72 hours of leaving.
A health policy expert, Lorian Hardcastle, expressed her delight as the CBSA is catching fraudulent documents at the border, but she’s still worried. “I’m curious as to what percentage of the total number of folks who come in without being vaccinated and/or tested that sector represents,” Hardcastle said.
Source: CBC News
