U.S. ambassador says Canadians facing device searches, detainment ‘not a pattern’
The U.S. ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, is challenging Ottawa’s travel advisory, asserting that his country does not conduct phone searches at the border and suggesting that some Americans are encountering difficulties when traveling to Canada. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Hoekstra emphasized the importance of Canadian visitors to the U.S. and expressed skepticism about the validity of concerns regarding device searches.
Hoekstra stated, “We welcome Canadians to come in and invest, to spend their hard-earned Canadian dollars at U.S. businesses. If a Canadian has had a disappointing experience coming into the United States, I’m not denying that it happened, but I’m saying it’s an isolated event and it is not a pattern.”
In response to Ottawa’s updated travel advice warning Canadians about potential scrutiny and phone searches at U.S. ports of entry, Hoekstra dismissed these claims as unfounded fears. He assured that the U.S. is a welcoming place and does not engage in such practices. Hoekstra also pointed out that some Americans have faced similar challenges when entering Canada and have raised concerns about their treatment by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The CBSA responded by stating that its officers adhere to a code of conduct and federal ethics code, which require them to treat all individuals equally. Any complaints of mistreatment are investigated, and the agency emphasizes the importance of serving all travelers in a non-discriminatory manner.
Despite reports of decreased travel between Canada and the U.S., Hoekstra encouraged individuals to make their own decisions about traveling and explore the opportunities available in America. He cited the case of CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour, who had a positive experience visiting the U.S. despite initial concerns.
As concerns about travel safety and welcome in the U.S. persist, a survey conducted by Leger Marketing found that a majority of respondents feel it may no longer be safe for all Canadians traveling to the United States. Additionally, 2SLGBTQ+ groups have opted out of attending events in the U.S. due to heightened scrutiny at the border and concerns about the Trump administration’s policies affecting transgender and non-binary individuals.
In conclusion, while there may be isolated incidents of challenges faced by travelers at the border, both the U.S. and Canada are committed to upholding values of integrity, respect, and professionalism in their border services. It is essential for individuals to make informed decisions about their travel plans and consider the experiences of others when choosing their destinations.
