Canadian friends, I need some advice.

[LeftofObama]

I am a U. S. citizen and I want to run in the International Half Marathon in October. Basically, this half marathon starts in Detroit, goes over the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor, then goes back through the tunnel into Detroit.

Here's the problem: Back in 1988 I had a DUI in the U.S. I had to take a 3 day class and pay a fine and that's it. I've never been in any other trouble before that or since (I was 27 so I call it a youthful indiscretion). I'm sure this is still on my record.

Here is the most useful information I can find...

Deemed Rehabilitation

You may be deemed rehabilitated if you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Depending on the nature of your offense, at least five years and as many as 10 years must have passed since you completed the sentence imposed for your crime. Deemed rehabilitation also depends on whether you have committed one or more offenses. In all cases, you may only be deemed rehabilitated if the offense committed would be punishable in Canada by a maximum term of imprisonment of less than 10 years.

You are not required to submit an application to be deemed rehabilitated. However, before arriving at a port of entry, we strongly advise you to contact a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate outside Canada to see if you qualify.

Do any of you know anyone who has gone through this, or should I just forget about it? I'm sure when I present my passport to pick up my race pack they are going to do a background check and I am afraid I will be disqualified and lose my money.



I'm going to be out for a little while so I won't be able to reply right away. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[arikara]

1. I've never heard of anyone being turned away for a DUI

Was it an actual criminal charge? If not, then I would think you are ok. One of our premiers got a DUI while he was in Hawaii. They said he didn't need to step down because it wasn't a criminal offense in Hawaii, even though it is considered a criminal offense in Canada. Then when he retired from BC politics they made him the ambassador to Great Britain. So if they give you any hassle, drop Gordon Campbell's name.

I think the US border is more strict about minor offenses than Canada. I've heard of people being turned away from US border for minor possession charges that don't mean anything in Canada.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.