The “Inspire – Women in Emergency Services” event will support women (including those who are cis, trans, assigned female at birth and non-binary) and address the unique challenges they face when considering a career in emergency services. Registration for the event is not required and entry is free.

Date:                   Saturday, March 7, 2026

Time:                   1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Location:          The Machine Shop

83 Huron Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

The following agencies will be represented at the event:

·        Anishinabek Police Service (APS)

·        Bruce Mines Fire Department (BMFD)

·        Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

·        District of Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Services (DSSMPS)

·        Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)

·        Ministry of the Solicitor General (SOLGEN) Correctional Services

·        North Shore Health Network (NSHN)

·        Sault Area Hospital (SAH)

·        Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services (SSMFS)

·        Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS)

About the OPP

The Ontario Provincial Police is one of North America’s largest deployed police services with more than 6,400 uniformed officers, 2,900 civilian employees and 530 auxiliary members. We provide essential services that ensure the safety and security of the communities we serve throughout the province of Ontario.

About APS

The Anishinabek Police Service is the second largest Indigenous police service in Ontario, serving 16 communities across the province. APS delivers Indigenous-led, community-focused policing that prioritizes safety, trust and wellness, grounded in Anishinaabe values, respect and accountability. Through culturally responsive policing, strong partnerships, and a commitment to prevention and community well-being, APS works to ensure the safety and security of the communities it proudly serves.

About BMFD

The Bruce Mines Fire Department is a dedicated volunteer team providing expert fire suppression and auto extrication services. Committed to protecting Bruce Mines and its surrounding areas, we provide essential emergency rescue and fire safety to ensure the continued safety of our residents and visitors.

About CBSA

The Canada Border Services Agency facilitates the flow of legitimate travellers and trade while enforcing more than 100 acts and regulations that keep our country safe. The CBSA acts as Canada’s first line of defence at 1,200 ports of entry across the country. Every day, 16,500 employees, including over 8,500 frontline officers, play a crucial role protecting our communities by preventing illegal goods and inadmissible people from entering Canada.

About DSSMPS

Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Services provides provincially mandated emergency medical care 24/7 to residents and visitors across the district of Sault Ste. Marie. With a team of more than 100 serving a population of approximately 80,000, DSSMPS respond to over 24,000 calls annually while promoting health, wellness and high-quality patient care.

About MNR

Conservation officers contribute to the protection and management of Ontario’s vast natural resources through education, compliance and enforcement activities to ensure that Ontario residents and visitors can safely enjoy the province’s natural resources. Ontario employs over 200 highly trained conservation officers throughout 48 locations across the province.

About SOLGEN Correctional Services

Ontario operates a safe, effective and accountable adult corrections system that includes correctional facilities and probation and parole offices across the province. The ministry is responsible for the safety and well-being of correctional services staff and individuals on remand or serving a custodial or community sentence.

About NSHN

North Shore Health Network (NSHN) is a multi-site healthcare organization operating in Blind River, Thessalon, and Richards Landing. NSHN provides Emergency Care, Acute Care, Long-Term Care, Community Support Services, and outpatient services such as Medical Imaging and Laboratory. Committed to delivering safe, high-quality, patient-, client- and resident-centered care, NSHN is committed to providing rural health and wellness services for everyone.

About SAH

Sault Area Hospital (SAH) is a modern, 293-bed non-profit acute care facility in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, that opened in 2011 to serve approximately 115,000 residents in the Algoma District. Located at 750 Great Northern Road, it provides comprehensive emergency, critical care, surgical, mental health, and specialized cancer radiation services.

About SSMFS

The Sault Ste. Marie Fire Service is a proud partner within our community that provides exceptional service through fire prevention, education, protection and wellness.

About SSMPS

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service proudly serves the communities of Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township. As a modern police service focused on creating a safer tomorrow, we remain committed to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives in, works in and visits our communities.

About IWD

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day observed annually on March 8, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for advancing gender equality. IWD has been around for over a century, with the first IWD marked in 1911.

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The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is Canada’s first line of defence at 1,200 ports of entry across the country. Day in and day out, approximately 8,500 frontline employees play a crucial role protecting our communities by preventing illegal goods and inadmissible people from entering Canada and by securing North America as a whole.

Across the country, hundreds of CBSA criminal investigators, inland immigration investigators, hearings officers and intelligence officers work to support and enforce compliance with Canada’s border laws and take action against those in violation. Abroad, approximately 60 CBSA employees in 35 countries help manage the border internationally. And, by the end of 2024, we will have welcomed over 500 new officer trainees and 18 new detector dog teams who join the ranks of our dedicated employees helping keep our border safe.

With the collaboration of international and Canadian law enforcement partners, the CBSA supports national security and public safety, while facilitating the free flow of legitimate trade and travel. Together, we stop dangerous people, firearms, weapons and drugs from entering and hurting our communities, while ensuring the flow of millions of travellers and billions of dollars in international trade.

The Pacific Region, which covers British Columbia and the Yukon, has more than 1000 uniformed employees working at 43 land, air, rail and marine ports of entry. The region includes an international mail centre, Canada’s third busiest airport and the country’s largest marine port, container examination facility and cruise ship terminal.

Protect Canadians and keep communities safe

The CBSA serves as Canada’s frontline defence by preventing illegal weapons and illicit substances from entering our communities. This year, border services officers in the Pacific region were responsible for:

• 7,960 illegal narcotic seizures. This includes 988 kg and 1,278 litres of methamphetamines, 279 kg of cocaine, 49 kg of opioids and 3,378 kg of illegal cannabis;
• 9,451 weapons and prohibited items seized. This includes 209 firearms, 666 Miscellaneous parts for firearms or magazines, 7747 prohibited weapons, and 829 prohibited devices;
• $1,262,015 in currency seizures suspected to be proceeds of crime, compared to $721,426 seized last year.
• 280 arrests of impaired drivers. These arrests make up 50% of all impaired driving arrests across Canada’s land borders.
• 119 stolen vehicles intercepted. This represents approximately $13 million CAD worth of vehicles.

Welcome travellers into Canada

From Canada’s third largest airport and our large cruise ship and rail passenger operations, to our smaller northern ports, CBSA in the Pacific Region is committed to maintaining secure, resilient borders that safe-guard our communities.

The Pacific Region facilitated the arrival of more than 19.2 million travellers at ports of entry in British Columbia and the Yukon. Officers welcomed nearly 1.6 million more travellers than last year, including returning Canadians and international visitors.

As CBSA continues to see a rise in travel and frequent movement across borders, they remain committed to enhancing the overall border experience. The CBSA in the Pacific Region conducted 65,720 NEXUS interviews to support low-risk, frequent travellers.

Support the economy

The CBSA’s work helps keep Canada’s trade routes open and resilient, ensuring that the economy remains strong and responsive to the needs of Canadians.

Border services officers in the Pacific Region processed approximately 548,174 commercial trucks, and 27 million courier shipments. The Pacific Region processes 70% of all containers entering Canada with the majority handled by Metro Vancouver District.

The collection of duties and taxes helps protect sectors of Canada’s economy. When commercial importers violate trade and border legislation, the CBSA issues penalties as a means to deter non-compliance. This helps insure import requirements are being met, and creates a level playing field for all Canadian businesses.

The region closed 92 verification cases assessing a total of $13,556,852 in duties, taxes, interest and penalties. The region also completed 21 compliance interventions, resulting in further assessments of $321,356 in duties and taxes.

In October, the Canada Border Services Agency Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) became the official system of record to assess and collect duties and taxes for commercial goods imported into Canada. The Pacific Region worked diligently to onboard clients and assist in its launch. CARM will help to protect and grow over $40 billion in revenue collected at the border each year by providing Canadian businesses with an online self-service tool and simplified importing processes.

“Over the past year and beyond, the Canada Border Services Agency has played a pivotal role in combatting criminal activity by interdicting guns and illegal drugs at our borders. I would like to thank all employees, from every corner of the Agency, for their dedication in safeguarding the health and safety of our communities, and in maintaining the integrity of the border we share with our most important ally and trading partner, the United States.” –  The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs

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Every day, the CBSA works hard to protect Canadians, support the economy and ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the border. In 2023, we welcomed over 86 million travellers and intercepted more than 72,200 kg of prohibited drugs, cannabis, narcotics, and chemicals, representing an increase of close to 30% from 2022.

The CBSA is dedicated to planning and preparing for peak periods, including long weekends and summer months. CBSA monitors traveller volumes and take measures to minimize border wait times at land ports of entry and at international airports, without compromising safety and security.

Here are some tips to help you plan for your trip:

• Check border wait times and expect delays.
  • Early mornings are the best time to cross the border to avoid wait times.
  • The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest.
  • Consider an alternative port of entry with shorter wait times or less traffic.
  • Check the port of entry’s hours of operation on the official CBSA Directory of Offices and Services.
  • If you are using a GPS application (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking different navigation options (such as fastest and shortest routes) to determine the preferred route of travel.
• Have your travel documents handy. This will speed up processing times at the border.
• Be prepared to declare. Declare everything you have with you upon entry into Canada. If arriving by land, you are responsible for everything inside your vehicle.
  • Bringing Poultry products, including turkey: Be sure to review current restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States before bringing these products across the border. Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada.
• Travelling with children? When travelling with a child who is not your own or for whom you don’t have full legal custody, we recommend you have a consent letter from the parent or legal guardian authorizing you to travel with the child. We are always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions.
• Travelling with pets? Pets must meet specific requirements to enter Canada. Review Importing and travelling with pets before leaving.
  • Will you be going to the U.S. with a dog? As of August 1, 2024, there are updated documentation requirements for all dogs entering the U.S. from Canada. For more information, visit Dogs travelling to the United States.
• Flying into Canada? Use Advance Declaration and make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at participating airports.
• Entering Canada by boat? You must report to the CBSA without delay. Review reporting requirements for private boaters before making travel plans. If you are the operator of a boat entering Canadian waters with the intent to disembark, you are responsible for reporting your goods on board.
  • Are you towing or transporting a watercraft or any water-related equipment (canoe, paddleboard, etc.) into Canada? If so, these items must be clean, dry, and free of any aquatic invasive plants or species. Learn more: Clean, Drain, Dry and Decontaminate.

Are you bringing any of the following into Canada?

• Food, plant, or animal products: Consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) before bringing any food, plant, or animal products into Canada.
• Fireworks: Consult Importing, exporting and transporting fireworks to ensure that the fireworks you are bringing in are authorized.
• Medication: Make sure you understand your responsibilities when travelling with medication.
• Firewood: Firewood from outside of Canada is not permitted as it may contain diseases or invasive insects. Buy local and burn local.
• Goods purchased abroad: If you are a Canadian resident, personal exemptions allow you to bring goods,  including alcohol and tobacco (up to a certain value), back to Canada without paying regular duty and taxes. Make sure you know how much you are bringing back in Canadian dollars and have your receipts readily available for the officer.
• Use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to help estimate the amounts owed on goods purchased abroad.

Restricted and prohibited goods:

Make sure you review the necessary information before attempting to bring certain items into Canada. If not, you risk having your goods seized or facing fines and prosecution.

• Firearms: Leave them at home. You are encouraged not to travel with firearms. If you choose to do so, be sure to check the rules on importing firearms.
• Weapons: Restricted and prohibited goods include pepper spray, switchblades, and butterfly knives.
• Narcotics: Narcotics such as cocaine and heroin are illegal in Canada.  If you are found to be in possession of illegal drugs (on your person, in your vehicle, or in your luggage) you will be arrested and may be charged. The drugs will be seized.
• Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. While cannabis is legal in Canada, bringing it across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.

Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer. The best way to save time is to be open and honest with the border services officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don’t hesitate to ask!

For more information, visit the CBSA website or call them at 1-800-461-9999.

The post Travelling For Thanksgiving Long Weekend? The CBSA Gives Tips For A Smooth Trip appeared first on Muskoka411.

Every day, the CBSA works hard to protect Canadians, support the economy and ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across our borders. In 2023, we welcomed over 86 million travellers and intercepted more than 72,200 kg of prohibited drugs, cannabis, narcotics, and chemicals, representing an increase of close to 30% from 2022.

The CBSA dedicates significant efforts to planning and preparing for peak periods, including long weekends and summer months. We monitor traveller volumes and plan to minimize border wait times at land ports of entry and at international airports, without compromising safety and security.

Here are some tips to help you plan for your trip:

• Check border wait times and expect delays.
  • Early mornings are the best time to cross the border to avoid wait times.
  • The Monday of  holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest.
  • Consider an alternative port of entry with shorter wait times or less traffic.
  • Check the port of entry’s hours of operation on the official CBSA Directory of Offices and Services.
  • If you are using a GPS application (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking different navigation options (such as fastest and shortest routes) to determine the preferred route of travel.
• Have your travel documents handy. This will speed up processing times at the border.
• Be prepared to declare. Declare everything you have with you upon entry into Canada. If arriving by land, you are responsible for everything inside your vehicle. If you are the operator of a boat entering Canadian waters with the intent to disembark, you are responsible for reporting your goods on board.
• Travelling with children? When travelling with a child who is not your own or for whom you don’t have full legal custody, we recommend you have a consent letter from the parent or legal guardian authorizing you to travel with the child. We are always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions.
• Travelling with pets? Pets must meet specific requirements to enter Canada. Review Importing and travelling with pets before leaving.
  • Will you be going to the U.S. with a dog? As of August 1, 2024, there are updated documentation requirements for all dogs entering the U.S. from Canada. For more information, visit Dogs travelling to the United States.
• Flying into Canada? Use Advance Declaration and make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at participating airports.
• Entering Canada by boat? You must report to the CBSA without delay. Review reporting requirements for private boaters before making travel plans.
  • Are you towing or transporting a watercraft or any water-related equipment (canoe, paddleboard, etc.) into Canada? If so, these items must be clean, dry, and free of any aquatic invasive plants or species. Learn more: Clean, Drain, Dry and Decontaminate.

Are you bringing any of the following into Canada?

• Food, plant, or animal products: Consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) before bringing any food, plant, or animal products into Canada.
• Poultry products: Be sure to review current restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States before bringing these products across the border. Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada.
• Fireworks: Consult Importing, exporting and transporting fireworks to ensure that the fireworks you are bringing in are authorized.
• Medication: Make sure you understand your responsibilities when travelling with medication.
• Firewood: Firewood from outside of Canada is not permitted as it may contain diseases or invasive insects. Buy local and burn local.
• Goods purchased abroad: If you are a Canadian resident, personal exemptions allow you to bring goods,  including alcohol and tobacco (up to a certain value), back to Canada without paying regular duty and taxes. Make sure you know how much you are bringing back in Canadian dollars and have your receipts readily available for the officer.
• Use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to help estimate the amounts owed on goods purchased abroad.

Restricted and prohibited goods:

Make sure you review the necessary information before attempting to bring certain items into Canada. If not, you risk having your goods seized or facing fines and prosecution.

• Firearms: Leave them at home. You are encouraged not to travel with firearms. If you choose to do so, be sure to check the rules on importing firearms.
• Weapons: Restricted and prohibited goods include pepper spray, switchblades, and butterfly knives.
• Narcotics: Narcotics such as cocaine and heroin are illegal in Canada.  If you are found to be in possession of illegal drugs (on your person, in your vehicle, or in your luggage) you will be arrested and may be charged. The drugs will be seized.
• Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. While cannabis is legal in Canada, bringing it across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.

Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer. The best way to save time is to be open and honest with the border services officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don’t hesitate to ask!

For more information, visit the CBSA Website or call us at 1-800-461-9999.

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Every day, the CBSA works hard to protect Canadians, support the economy and ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across our borders. In 2023, we welcomed over 86M travellers and intercepted more than 72,200 kg of prohibited drugs, cannabis, narcotics, and chemicals, representing an increase of close to 30% from 2022.

The CBSA dedicates significant efforts to planning and preparing for peak periods, including long weekends and summer months. CBSA monitors traveller volumes and plan to minimize border wait times at land ports of entry and at international airports, without compromising safety and security.

Here are some tips to help you plan for your trip:

• Plan ahead, expect delays and check border wait times. Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to cross during non-peak hours such as early mornings. The Monday of a holiday long weekend tends to be the busiest, with longer border wait times.
• Looking for a port of entry’s hours of operation? Always best to check the official CBSA Directory of Offices and Services. If you are using a GPS application (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking different navigation options (such as fastest and shortest routes) to determine the preferred route of travel. In many instances, there are alternative ports of entry within close proximity.
• Have your travel documents handy. Whether travelling by land, air or water, you can help speed up processing times by always coming prepared with your travel documents.
• Save time with Advance Declaration. You can make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at the Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary, and Edmonton international airports. Data shows that using this tool can reduce time at a kiosk or eGate by up to 50%.
• When travelling with children, it is recommended that the accompanying adult have a consent letter authorizing them to travel with the child if they share custody or are not the parent or legal guardian. Border services officers are always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions.
• Know your exemption limits. Returning residents who make purchases or pick up online purchases across the border should be aware of their personal exemption limits, including alcohol and tobacco. You are encouraged to use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to help calculate your monies owed on goods purchased abroad.
• Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. Bringing cannabis across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.
• Be prepared to declare. All travellers must declare their goods upon entry into Canada. For returning residents, have your receipts readily available for goods purchased or received while outside of Canada. Travellers should be aware of everything that is inside their vehicle and are responsible for its contents. You are encouraged not to travel with firearms, but if you choose to do so, be sure to check the rules on importing firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods, which includes pepper spray and certain knives.
• Boaters planning to travel in or near Canadian waters, or enter Canada by boat should review Reporting requirements for private boaters before making travel plans. All travellers entering Canada by boat must report to the CBSA without delay.
• Bringing fireworks into Canada? Consult Importing, exporting and transporting fireworks to ensure that the ones you are bringing in are authorized.
• Declare any food, plant, and animal products. Consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website before bringing any food, plant, and animal products into Canada.
• Bringing poultry across the border? Poultry products must be for human consumption, retail packaged and labelled as a “Product of the USA.” Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada. Check the latest Information for travellers: Restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States before bringing these products across the border.
• Travelling with medication? Make sure you understand your responsibilities.
• Coming to Canada to go camping? Bringing firewood from outside of Canada is not permitted as invasive insects and diseases could exist in it. Help protect our forests. Buy local and burn local.

Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer. The best thing you can do to save time is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don’t hesitate to ask. CBSA officers are here to help and keep everyone safe.

For more information, visit the CBSA Website or call them at 1-800-461-9999.

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These are the top travel tips to know before arriving at the border:

Have your travel documents handy. Whether travelling by land, air or water, you can help speed up processing times by coming prepared with your travel documents.

Driving home? Plan ahead and check border wait times. You can avoid waiting in line by planning your drive to cross the border during non-peak hours such as early morning.

Flying home? Save time with Advance Declaration. Download the application on your smart phone to make your customs declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at the Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton international airports. Data shows that using this tool can reduce time at a kiosk or eGate by up to 50%.

Be prepared to declare your goods upon entry into Canada.  Gather your receipts for goods purchased or received while away before you travel and keep them readily available. Visit I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada and use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to help calculate your monies owed. You should be aware of everything that is inside your vehicle as you are responsible for its contents.

Know your exemptions from duties and taxes. If you have been outside of Canada seven days or more, you can import goods worth up to CAN$800, duty-and tax-free. Within this personal exemption, you are allowed to bring back duty and tax free:

• Two bottles of wine (1.5 litres total), or one large standard bottle of liquor (1.14 litres), or approximately 24 cans or bottles (355 ml each) of beer (8.5 litres total); and,
• 200 cigarettes, and 50 cigars, and 200 grams manufactured tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks. The packages must be stamped “duty paid,” as you would find them at a duty-free store.

Travelling with medication? If you have a prescription for a narcotic or controlled drug, you must declare it and ensure its in properly labelled container. Learn more about your responsibilities.

Travelling with firearms? If you are travelling with a firearm be sure to check the rules on importing firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods before your departure. Better yet, consider leaving the firearm at home.

Importing a vehicle? If you are a resident of Canada you can temporarily import a vehicle that is licensed and registered in the United States, however, the duty and tax implications, the length of time the vehicle can remain in Canada, and how the vehicle can be used in Canada may differ. If you are permanently importing a vehicle from the U.S. or Mexico, visit Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles website prior to arriving at the border for details about vehicle eligibility and the overall process, including the necessary duties and taxes.

Bringing poultry across the border? Any poultry products you wish to bring into Canada must be for human consumption, retail packaged and labelled as a “Product of the USA.” Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada. Check the latest Information for travellers: Restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States before bringing these products across the border.

Travelling with a pet or importing an animal into Canada? You will need the right paperwork at the border to meet Canada’s import requirements.

Not sure? Ask a border officer. The best thing you can do to save time is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. Be sure to follow all instructions they provide to you. If you are not sure about what to declare, don’t hesitate to ask. CBSA officers are here to help!

• The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) supports national security and public safety priorities by facilitating the free flow of persons and goods, including animals and plants.
• The Canadian Snowbird Association is a not-for-profit advocacy organization for travelling Canadians, representing more than 115,000 members.

The post Travel Tips For Snowbirds Returning To Canada appeared first on Muskoka411.

On March 15, Michael Vukmanovic of Keswick, Ontario was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to 16 charges under the Criminal Code for firearms manufacturing and possession. Following the Court’s assessment of this sentence, Vukmanovic will serve a total of seven years. This sentence is the result of an investigation led by the CBSA’s Intelligence and Investigations Operations Divisions in Toronto following a firearm seizure in Southern Ontario.

The CBSA launched its investigation in January 2022 when Border Services Officers in Windsor, Ontario intercepted firearm parts in courier parcels destined for Vukmanovic’s residence in Keswick. The CBSA’s Criminal Investigations Section executed a search warrant at the residence in February 2022, leading to the discovery and seizure of firearms (including 3D printed handguns, shotguns and semi-automatic rifles), ammunition, firearms parts and tools, a 3D printer used to manufacture firearms, fully loaded over-capacity magazines, and various weapons (including a crossbow with arrows, a machete and a switchblade) posted at each entry point inside the home.

With the assistance of law enforcement partners, including the Ontario Provincial Police – Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, York Regional Police, and Ottawa Police Service, Vukmanovic was located and arrested in Ottawa and transported back to Toronto to be placed in CBSA custody. The CBSA charged him with several offences under the Criminal Code and Customs Act.

In November 2023, he pled guilty to 16 charges under the Criminal Code:

• 4 counts of Firearms trafficking/manufacturing under S. 99
• 1 count of Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition under S. 95(1)
• 5 counts of Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized under S. 92(1)
• 1 count of Possession of prohibited weapon, device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized under S. 92(2)
• 5 counts of Possession Contrary to Order under S. 117.01

Vukmanovic has remained in custody since his initial arrest and began his prison sentence immediately.

“This sentencing sends a strong signal about the seriousness of firearms smuggling offences. I want to thank our Intelligence and Investigations teams as well as our front-line border officers for their relentless work to keep firearms and dangerous weapons out of our communities.” – Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Greater Toronto Area Region

The post CBSA Firearms Investigation Leads To Prison Time For Keswick Man appeared first on Muskoka411.

These chemicals are used to manufacture MDMA (ecstasy) and drugs used to commit physical and sexual assault, which are part of a group of psychoactive drugs. They act on the central nervous system and can cause changes in mood, awareness, and behavior.

The interception of these chemicals has prevented millions of doses of MDMA and other drugs from reaching Canadian communities.

“”Our officers continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Canadians. Officer diligence prevented these precursor chemicals from being manufactured into harmful drugs and potentially impacting our communities.”

• Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, CBSA Greater Toronto Area Region

• When ingested, 1,4-butanediol produces an effect that is not unlike that of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
• The CBSA screens goods, including commercial cargo and courier shipments, coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians.
• For the latest seizure statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
• If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.

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Here are some tips to help you plan for your trip:

• Plan ahead and check border wait times and alternate ports of entry. Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to cross during non-peak hours.
• Use Advance CBSA Declaration. Travellers arriving at the Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Québec City international airports can choose to make their customs and immigration declaration to the CBSA prior to their arrival using the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within ArriveCAN and save time at the border. For travellers who submit their customs and immigration information in advance using ArriveCAN, the CBSA has launched dedicated Express Lanes at Vancouver, Montreal-Trudeau and Toronto Pearson international airports. The Advance CBSA Declaration Express Lanes will help travellers get to an airport kiosk or eGate faster when they arrive at an airport.
• Ensure you are eligible to enter Canada. Foreign nationals must meet the admissibility requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and ensure they carry all necessary travel and immigration documentation. Admissibility decisions are made by a border services officer at the time of entry.
• Know your exemption limits. Returning residents planning to make purchases or pick up online purchases across the border should be aware of their personal exemption limits. You are encouraged to use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to help calculate your monies owed on purchases made while abroad.
• Be prepared to declare. All travellers must declare their goods upon entry into Canada and this includes gifts. Have your receipts readily available for goods purchased or received while outside of Canada. If travelling with firearms, you are encouraged to consult the CBSA’s website for the rules on firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods.
• Leave gifts unwrapped. If travelling with gifts, make sure they are unwrapped or in gift bags in case border services officers need to inspect the contents.
• Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. Transporting cannabis across the border in any form, including any oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada remains a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.
• Declare any foods, plants, or animals such as raw meats, fruits, house plants, live animals, wood products (including firewood and wooden souvenirs) at the border. Be sure to check the Automated Import Reference System to help determine all specific import requirements.
• Avoid importing raw poultry products or by-products. There are currently restrictions on imports of live birds, bird products and by-products from U.S. states affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. It is recommended you not bring poultry products – including a turkey, eggs, and/or chicken – into Canada. Otherwise, be prepared to prove the origin of your poultry product at the border.
• When travelling with children, it is recommended that the accompanying adult have a consent letter authorizing them to travel with the child. Border services officers are always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions, to help them identify the relationship between the child and the accompanying adult.
• Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer. The best thing you can do to save time arriving in Canada is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don’t hesitate to ask. Our officers are here to help.

For more information, visit the CBSA Web site or call us at 1-800-461-9999.

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