Toronto Star: U.S. pushes ahead with 'cash grab' from Canadians

[marmar]

Tonda MacCharles
Ottawa Bureau


OTTAWA—The United States has shrugged off Conservative government appeals and will plow ahead with what Prime Minister Stephen Harper last year called a cash grab from Canadian travellers.

The U.S. will charge Canadian air and sea travellers $5.50 to enter the country even as the two governments have pledged to drop barriers to cross-border traffic.

In the Commons, the New Democrats railed against the surcharge and said it made a mockery of Conservative efforts to work with the U.S., noting the latest border irritant comes on top of Buy America provisions in U.S. President Barack Obama’s latest job stimulus package.

Gerald Keddy, parliamentary secretary for international trade, said the Conservative government is “disappointed” and hopes the U.S. “will recognize the error of their ways and that free and open trade is the way out of this economic depression, not into it.” .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1075222--u-s-won-t-budge-on-entry-fee-for-canadian-travellers?bn=1

[stevedeshazer]

1. + fucking 1

This policy is a joke. There should be free access between Canada and the US, no exceptions.

I can drive throughout Europe without being charged, but I live in Oregon and can't visit B.C. without incurring fees and vice-versa?

I understand some minimum standard of travel screening between states and provinces, but really?

[RKP5637]

2. Hmmmm, like an admissions charge to visit the zoo. n/t

[snagglepuss]

Bwhahahahaha

Damn I needed that.

[snagglepuss]

3. Bwhahahahaha

Damn I needed that.

[Selatius]

4. This is unfair. It'll make it harder for Canadians to come over and access superior health care.

LMAO ... oh wait ...

[The Northerner]

5. Won't this only exacerbate diplomatic relations with another country? n/t

[Art_from_Ark]

6. "Children of a common mother"

Now the children have grown up, and one is telling the other, "Get off of my lawn-- or pay to use it!"

[Amonester]

7. $5.50????

Who would want to start a war for a f*cking 5.50??

I pay more than that just to go to work each day (subway+bus)...

Gee