Truck Topics
Bob Worthington: Free at last!
The Problem
Bob Worthington is a cargo van owner/operator from Knoxville, TN. When he signed with expedited carrier Panther II around a year ago, one of the forms he completed during orientation included the standard question, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" Bob answered truthfully, "No."
About four months later, Bob received a letter from the Canadian government that said that he was denied entry into Canada. After further investigation, he realized that Canada had uncovered a DUI conviction from 1971.
The letter from Canada went on to say that he could apply for Canadian "rehabilitation."
Bob called the appropriate Canadian authorities and told them that to the best of his recollection, the original DUI charge had been reduced to a lesser one.
The Canadian official instructed him to go to the Oak Park, MI court (the site of the offense) and obtain a copy of the court's judgment. At the court we was greeted with astonishment by the court officials who told him, "You've got to be kidding, that was thirty years ago!"
After two weeks of searching, the court found the records. The conviction was, in fact, for a DUI. Bob called the Canadian office again and it was confirmed that he would need "rehabilitation." They mailed him the necessary paperwork.
Bob picks up the story, "Panther II was fully aware of my situation, and they suggested that I obtain the necessary forgiveness. In the meantime, I turned down Canadian loads."
"Another option was suggested by Coertje Feil of Panther II recruiting; she said that I should call a company in Canada that could give me some direction on this issue. She said that I would be pleasantly surprised because of some new changes in the law."
The Solution
Ms. Lucy Perillo is founder and president of Pardon Services Enterprises in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her firm specializes in trans-border legal issues and was profiled in a previous Expediters Online article (Click Here)
Ms. Perillo informs us that as of June 28, 2002, a new Canadian policy says that a Temporary Resident Permit has replaced the former Minister's Permit.
Ms. Perillo explains: "Essentially, the Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is the same as the Ministers Permit. Our new legislation allows Americans with a minor conviction that is over 10 years old to travel to Canada without this permit. Two or more convictions will require a TRP."
"There are other changes to this legislation as well and the only way to determine admissibility is to call our office. We offer free consultations about border crossing. Our turnaround time can vary from 4 weeks to 3 months."
Bob Worthington says, "After contacting Pardon Services, I sent copies of the judgment to Lucy and within 24 hours, I was good to go to Canada! And, to my surprise, it was only $50.00 US! The only restriction with this policy is that I will have to carry a copy of the original conviction with me."
"In Mr. Worthington's case," Ms. Perillo continues, "it was fairly simple to advise him on the correct procedure, and that is the reason for the very modest fee. It should be noted that most Canadian entry law issues are somewhat more complex and are subject to a variable pricing policy."
"It is virtually impossible to contact Canada Immigration over the phone. This is very time-consuming and frustrating for the applicant. Pardon Services will represent the client, file the appropriate application and monitor the process of the permit."
Ms. Perillo says, "No matter what part of the country you are from, we can assist in the application process. Another client for example, a long haul driver from Michigan had his application in process for 18 months and had not received an answer. Our firm was able to cut through the confusion and red tape and were able to get the permit in 6 weeks. He was so pleased that he dropped by our office to personally thank us."
Bob Worthington concludes, "I'm glad to be able to put this behind me. I look forward to being able to accept Canadian-bound loads again and not restrict my revenue possibilities."
"So, as far as this technicality goes, I'm free at last!"
Lucy Perillo
Pardon Services Enterprises MB
130 Scott St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0K8
Phone: (204) 453-0099
Toll Free: 800-438-7020 (US & Canada)
Fax: 204 975-0394
Web Information
Pardon Services Homepage