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Let me introduce you to "Fortress Louisburg " the largest French military fortification in eastern Canada.
The French built it over a long period of time, and it was a heroic attempt to control the approaches to the eastern coast. It is a massive stone fortification, that was built using the newest designs that were known at the time.
Fast forward to the 1960's, when the Federal Government decided that the mostly crumbling ruins should be rebuilt, and made into the premier tourist attraction in eastern Nova Scotia. The process took about 30 years to complete and millions of dollars were spent, both on the actual renovation, and the costs of employing thousands of people to do the work.
Today, it is a amazingly accurate depiction of day to day life in the period when France controlled the eastern part of what is now known as Canada. The hundreds of people who work there are dressed in period costume, and about 80 percent of them are French speaking, with English speaking guides making up the other 20 percent. Dozens of specialist trades people make the costumes, shoes, hats and tools that are used at the Fortress.
Here is a link to photos and information about it.
The second link is from the CBC TV series " A history of Canada, and its people ". A truly amazing production that traced our history from the first appearance of humans here, to the end of the 20th century. The most ambitious TV production ever undertaken in Canada, with a lavish budget , and every second was shot on location. Interesting too, was the fact that every scene was shot in both English and French, using the same actors, at the same time. This resulted in a series that was shown on both the CBC English and CBC French networks.
The production is available on DVD, or as a two volume set of books, which I have . It can also be found on youtube, with a bit of searching. I suggest it as the foundation for a better understanding of what helped to create our country, then and now.
One further movie ......Black Robe, a Canadian production, about the Jesuit Fathers who came to what is now Quebec, to try to convert the Mohawk, and Huron tribes. Jaw dropping scenery, and a great depiction of the hardships of the courier du bois, who made the annual canoe voyage to the northwest, to trade for furs, then return to Montreal in time to get the bales of furs on to the ships going to Europe. It is no wonder that the Canadian Coat of Arms features a beaver, a moose, and maple leafs, all long time symbols of our country.
BTW, the most senior rank in the Canadian Forces is a Chief Warrant Officer, first class, and his/her badge of rank is the Canadian Coat of Arms worn on the lower sleeves of the tunic. CWO 1 is the same as a E 8 in the US rank system. By tradition, a CWO is called by their family name, so its Chief Warrant Officer Jones, to all. In my old Regiment , the 48th Highlanders of Canada, in 123 years of service to Canada since 1891, there have been four RSM's who were all named Elms, and all of them were related to each other. Also four Colonels who were named Darling, again all related to each other.
The Regimental Badge of the 48th Highlanders of Canada.
I think that you would have a very hard time selling the idea of a "open border " to most Canadians.
Given the huge differential in population between your country and mine, and the number of convicted armed criminals that live in the USA, Canadians have no interest in opening the border, at all.
Our Immigration process is strict and for a very good reason..........We want to control who comes here, and we investigate and test potential Immigration applicants, in their own country , before they are ever approved to come here. All adult Immigration applicants must pass a language test, that grades their ability to read, write, and speak one of our two officials languages, fluently. In addition they must be able to pass the medical examination, in their home country at their own cost, and have a minimum of $25,000 CDN dollars in cash, at their disposal, before their Immigration Visa will be approved. They must have no criminal record in any country, have certified employment skills, and have at least a 4 year University degree, OR have a certified skilled trade, with a minimum of 5 years of direct experience in that trade, that can be verified. We maintain a list of jobs that are "most in demand in Canada " and those that have those specific skills are fast tracked. The system is deigned to fill our needs, as a country.
On a daily basis, the Canadian Border Services Agency officers deny access to dozens of US citizens, who do not meet our standards for visitor entry. The most common reasons are, possession of prohibited weapons, possession of illegal drugs, and felony criminal convictions in the past, that have not been pardoned. Over the course of a calendar year that number is about 50,000 people. If the CBSA finds that a US resident has a outstanding arrest warrant in the US, they will contact the US Marshall's Service, and hand the person over to them at the border, on the US side. Same thing for US military that are AWOL, or deserters.
Many Canadians own weapons that are prohibited in Canada. The weapons are here in the US. The owners enjoy their weapons here in the US. I mentioned this on a web site and the next time I crossed the border Canadian Customs did a wall to wall search of my vehicle. It took nearly 2 hours. Don't say anything on the Internet that Canadian Customs may find to be not politically correct. They are watching.
Meanwhile, should there be widespread disruptions in Canada like our Ferguson terrorist attack, there are Canadians who can help to keep order.
One further movie ......Black Robe, a Canadian production, about the Jesuit Fathers who came to what is now Quebec, to try to convert the Mohawk, and Huron tribes. Jaw dropping scenery, and a great depiction of the hardships of the courier du bois, who made the annual canoe voyage to the northwest, to trade for furs, then return to Montreal in time to get the bales of furs on to the ships going to Europe.
Oh my goodness. I had been posting on film boards for this title for so long. I knew what the film was about, knew that Roger Ebert (the now deceased Chicago film critic) praised it to the skies, knew everything except it title. It was out in the mid-90's, no? IMDB says 1991. Well, I know what I'll be watching this weekend. Thank you.
And thanks again for the links. I have actually been cut-and-pasting them, 'cause come springtime, I am finally going to hit your Route 2.
(By the way: since the topic of "borders" is still in play , if anyone wants to see a fantastic espionage film based on a real-life intelligence agency dispute between Germany and the U.S., I can't recommend enough the John LeCarre-based movie starring the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, "A Most Wanted Man.")
JulesMSU.
Our Immigration process is strict and for a very good reason..........We want to control who comes here, and we investigate and test potential Immigration applicants, in their own country , before they are ever approved to come here. All adult Immigration applicants must pass a language test, that grades their ability to read, write, and speak one of our two officials languages, fluently. In addition they must be able to pass the medical examination, in their home country at their own cost, and have a minimum of $25,000 CDN dollars in cash, at their disposal, before their Immigration Visa will be approved. They must have no criminal record in any country, have certified employment skills, and have at least a 4 year University degree, OR have a certified skilled trade, with a minimum of 5 years of direct experience in that trade, that can be verified. We maintain a list of jobs that are "most in demand in Canada " and those that have those specific skills are fast tracked. The system is deigned to fill our needs, as a country.
Is it $25,000 yearly income or $25,000 in the bank to sustain relocation? It sounds as if the immigration system there is becoming stricter in reaction to our lessening of restrictions. You have no idea--no idea--the hell on earth my home area has become because of illegal immigration. I will just stop by saying this. The issue was one of the top five motivating forces for my nearly 1000 mile move northward.
Quote:
On a daily basis, the Canadian Border Services Agency officers deny access to dozens of US citizens, who do not meet our standards for visitor entry. The most common reasons are, possession of prohibited weapons, possession of illegal drugs, and felony criminal convictions in the past, that have not been pardoned. Over the course of a calendar year that number is about 50,000 people. If the CBSA finds that a US resident has a outstanding arrest warrant in the US, they will contact the US Marshall's Service, and hand the person over to them at the border, on the US side. Same thing for US military that are AWOL, or deserters.
The good thing that Canada has going for it in this respect is that no one will accuse Canada of discriminating against non-English-speakers, thereby leaving the government open also for the quasi-racial charges that seem increasingly to influence laxity with illegal immigration here. Seriously, Canada should get on its collective knees and thank God the U.S. is an English-speaking nation, and that most of the people who'd want to "break in" look and talk just like Canadians. I do see some very liberal social advertisements on the French-speaking stations, however (urging overseas aid primarily). The reason I mention this is that in the U.S., social service-style ads are never sponsored by the government but by private agencies or action committees.
I am glad that I was able to put a smile on your face re Black Robe.
Re A most wanted man.........saw it, and I too was impressed with it. The ending is a great surprise to most watchers, but I had a nagging feeling that it could be coming, as the film progressed. At one point in my CF career, I was involved in counter intelligence work, while on loan to NATO HQ in Brussels. I saw first hand the kind of inter agency disputes that the film portrays.
RE The 25,000 dollar figure is for support during the first year in Canada , and that is for a single person. Obviously a family of four would need more in the bank.
Canada and the USA have a agreement that neither country will accept refugees from the other, so any person that tries to enter Canada, from the USA and claim refuges status, will be rejected and deported to their home country. Due to our geographic location, we don't get that many illegal people, and because we have a strong system of demanding identification from those who live here, we have so far avoided the kind of flooding that you mentioned.
In order to rent a place to live, open a bank account, get a driver's licence, apply for a job, get a loan, buy a car, attend school, get a health care card, the individual must produce either their Permanent Resident photo ID card, or their Immigrant Visa photo ID card. Those who are Canadian Citizens have a Citizenship photo ID card that is proof positive of their status in Canada. No employer in Canada wants to hire illegals, because the legal penalties are so tough.
People in Canada who have gone through the lengthy and costly Immigration process, to get here, are the strongest supporters of the rules that I have mentioned. They hate " line jumpers " and many will call the 1 800 phone line to report those in their community who are illegal in Canada.
Jim B.
Last edited by canadian citizen; 12-02-2014 at 05:55 AM..
Oh my goodness. I had been posting on film boards for this title for so long. I knew what the film was about, knew that Roger Ebert (the now deceased Chicago film critic) praised it to the skies, knew everything except it title. It was out in the mid-90's, no? IMDB says 1991. Well, I know what I'll be watching this weekend. Thank you.
For the person who asked about being physically searched, by the Canadian Border Service agents??
Of course they MAY do that, BUT there are going to be MANY questions asked FIRST. The reason for a strip search MUST be discussed with the senior CBSA officer at that port of entry, BEFORE anybody drops their pants. And, yes females are ONLY searched by female CBSA agents, in a private room.
Some reasons that MAY result in a physical search ( pat down ) are...... Drug residue found on personal belongings, like a cell phone, suitcase interior, or car steering wheel. Yes they do have drug swab testing machines, and they USE them. A positive reaction from a drug detector canine, to a person being interviewed at secondary inspection. Yes they do have detector dogs and they USE them.
In general, in my MANY years of crossing the international border, I have had no problems with the Canadian side, but LOTS of attitude from the US Customs and Immigration Service. Attitude means a lack of any type of politeness , and a surly manner. I put it down to the fact that the US Government gives priority hiring to ex military members. Plus the "we are protecting America " BS that they continually regurgitate.
Fair disclosure... I served for 30 years in the Canadian Forces, as a military Police investigator, retiring in 1996 as a Chief Warrant Officer. I can be as rough as any one else, if I need to be.... But I don't use it unless the situation calls for it.
Time and time again, the US ICE officers overstep their lawful authority, because they think that most people who are crossing the border will be intimidated and keep quiet about the treatment that they receive at the port of entry. They play on that fact. When some one like me shows up, and calls them on their lack of courtesy, they react as if I crapped in their hat, and pulled it down over their ears.
Finally, spending money in Canada is not a "reason " for being admitted to the country. Neither is shopping a reason for being admitted to the USA, for a Canadian.
Both sides have laws and standards about " who gets in ". And yes, both nations SHARE border crossing data with the other. The CBSA officer at the initial booth has a great deal of information about you, and your vehicle, BEFORE you roll down your window. My best advice is shut off the engine, take off your sunglasses, and hand over you passport. Don't make jokes, don't try to guess where the questions are leading, and if there is more than one person in the vehicle, let them answer their OWN questions.
Never been pulled into secondary at either crossing, but it's been years since I've crossed, and I've crossed at both Niagara Falls crossings, Calais/St. Stephens and Jackman. But for that one lady, whose only issue was being a bit curt (maybe she has something against teetotalers, or maybe she was just having a bad day, I don't know), they've all been polite and professional with me. They have an job to do, and so long as you're polite and courteous to them, I've found them to be the same in return.
Canada and the USA have a agreement that neither country will accept refugees from the other, so any person that tries to enter Canada, from the USA and claim refuges status, will be rejected and deported to their home country. Due to our geographic location, we don't get that many illegal people, and because we have a strong system of demanding identification from those who live here, we have so far avoided the kind of flooding that you mentioned.
Actually, they have accepted Americans for asylum before (cite), so perhaps there are some caveats to that agreement. Didn't they accept a lot of draft dodgers during the Vietnam war? Or was that a different status than refugee?
There are other names for that "status". However, when Canada got what they got we got some of Canada's best and bravest who served with us. Americans served as volunteers in the Canadian Air Force from 1939 to 1941 in Europe. Canadians came south to serve with us in Vietnam, about 50,000 of them.They are not even recognized as veterans back home. I know of a large group of Canadian Vietnam veterans who get together near Ottawa every summer for "LZ North". LZ to us means landing zone. That's where we helicopter crews dropped off ground troops to engage the enemy. We also went back to pick them up.
There is a film called "We Were Soldiers". Joe Galloway was the co-author with General Hal Moore. Joe attended one of our reunions and spoke to us.
Thank you, to those brave Canadians who served with us.
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, if anyone wants to see a fantastic espionage film based on a real-life intelligence agency dispute between Germany and the U.S., I can't recommend enough the John LeCarre-based movie starring the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, "A Most Wanted Man.")
