May 8, 2018 – The Canada Border Services Agency is facing criticism for quietly limiting when the process known as 'flag poling' can take place at certain border points in Southern Ontario and Quebec.
These busier crossing points now only allow flag poling from Tuesday to Thursday each week as part of a pilot project begun in Ontario and recently extended to Quebec. It appears the pilot was not publicly announced, although Canadian Bar Association members were notified.
Flag poling is the term given to when a person already in Canada leaves and returns in order to activate a new permanent resident status or be granted a renewed study or work permit.
Targeted border crossings with limited access for flag poling include Rainbow, Queenston-Lewiston and Peace bridges in Ontario, plus Lacolle and St-Armand in Quebec. Between them, the Ontario border points processed 45. Million travellers in 2017, while the Quebec points processed 1.2 million.
Under the pilot project, candidates who arrive outside Tuesday to Thursday are allowed back into Canada to apply online, by mail, or by appointment for their required service. They also have the option of returning between Tuesday and Thursday, although they are warned same-day processing might not be possible.
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The content of this article reflects the personal insight of Attorney Colin Singer and needs no disclaimer
