Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
The easing of Canadian travel restrictions this week came with news that proof of vaccination would soon be required by those arriving in the country and would need to be inputted into the federal ArriveCAN app.
Travellers must retain a paper or electronic copy of their vaccination documentation and the originals of any certified translations for verification at the border and for 14 days following their entry to Canada.
However, a recurring theme in some online anti-vaccination circles is the belief that COVID-19 vaccination records can easily be forged or faked using Photoshop or other methods.
In an emailed statement to CTVNews.ca, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) said they were “aware” of such sentiments, and noted that until the new travel measures come into effect in early July, there had been no requirement at the border to provide proof of vaccination.
“The CBSA is aware that there is no global standard for vaccine documentation, and that some travellers may attempt to use fraudulent documentation when seeking entry to Canada,” the statement reads. “The CBSA is working closely with domestic and international partners to detect and intercept such documents as early as possible in the travel continuum.”
The CBSA said that as of June 17, the organization has “encountered 79 instances of suspected falsified or fraudulent COVID-19 test results” at port of entry, and all individuals were referred to the Public Health Agency of Canada for assessment.
The CBSA reiterated that all travellers arriving in Canada are obligated by law to respond truthfully to questions posed to them at the border, and that providing false information may result in a fine up to $750,000 or six months imprisonment, or both, under the Quarantine Act.
“Foreign nationals who provide false information may also be denied entry and/or banned from returning to Canada. Further, a person who causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while wilfully or recklessly contravening this act or the regulations could be liable for a fine of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment of up to 3 years or both,” the statement reads.
The CBSA said inputting vaccine information into the ArriveCAN app is “just one step in the screening process” and that their officers are trained in examination techniques and intelligence to determine a travellers truthfulness and whether their documents are authentic.
However, the CBSA did not provide details on how to spot the difference between a valid and forged COVID-19 vaccine document, saying in their statement that “divulging our specific targeting, enforcement, intelligence and investigative techniques may render them ineffective.”
The RCMP also said in an emailed statement to CTVNews.ca it was “aware of reports of possible scams and frauds related to fake COVID-19 vaccine tests and records.”
The Mounties noted that since March 20, 2020, The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has received six reports related to fraudulent COVID-19 test results and kits, but cautioned that “only about five per cent of all frauds and scams are reported” to authorities.
The RCMP said that someone “knowingly presenting a fake test” could be charged with the use, trafficking or possession of forged documents, and that police where the individual is arrested would be responsible for investigating.
The organization also said that there have been reports of scammers selling fake COVID-19 test results and never delivering the product.
Canadians who wish to report COVID-19-related scams or frauds, including fake test results and records, should speak to their local police and report to the CAFC toll free at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
A property tax bill is perplexing a small townhouse community in Fergus, Ont.
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
A local Oilers fan is hoping to see his team cut through the postseason, so he can cut his hair.
A family from Laval, Que. is looking for answers... and their father's body. He died on vacation in Cuba and authorities sent someone else's body back to Canada.
A former educational assistant is calling attention to the rising violence in Alberta's classrooms.
The federal government says its plan to increase taxes on capital gains is aimed at wealthy Canadians to achieve “tax fairness.”
At 6'8" and 350 pounds, there is nothing typical about UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, who was born in Tonga and went to high school in Pitt Meadows.