CBSA Finds Hundreds of Fake COVID-19 Test Results, Vaccine Certificates in Borders

Cars enter the Canada-U.S. border. (Photo Courtesy from Canada Border Services Agency Twitter)

By Jay Ann Ramirez

TORONTO — Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials have found hundreds of fake vaccination documents from travellers entering Canada.

In a statement provided by the CBSA to Senecajournalism.ca on Thursday, the agency said they have intercepted 374 suspected fake COVID-19 test results at the ports of entry, as of October 31, 2021.

Of the 374 fake test results, 160 were intercepted at airports, while 187 were found at land border crossings.

Aside from the falsified test results, the agency said they also intercepted 92 suspected fake proof of vaccination credentials.

The border services agency said there is no available information regarding which ports of entry the fake documents were intercepted as well as where these documents came from.

The agency said they used a multi-step approach in assessing and verifying vaccine credentials. This approach includes the use of the ArriveCAN app, advanced technology in checking the documents, and in-depth examination of vaccination receipts and records done by the CBSA personnel.

The country’s border services agency said only the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has the power to issue fines to those who violate the Quarantine Act.

“All of these individuals were referred to PHAC for further assessment and possible enforcement. Please note that further breakdown of these figures, including information related to specific ports of entry or the possible origin of fraudulent documents, is not available,” the agency told Seneca Journalism.

Travellers coming to Canada are required to use the free ArriveCAN application, which is available in iOS and Android devices as well as online.

As of November 30, the agency reminded all travellers who will enter the country by car, truck, or bus that it is mandatory to present their information through the ArriveCAN mobile application or website.

What Happens at the Border?

The federal government has implemented travel restrictions in all border crossings to stop the further spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Under the Quarantine Act, all travellers must provide their information and documents as well as answer all screening questions to be able to enter the country.

The PHAC said earlier in November that all people entering Canada will be asked to provide mandatory credentials like proof of vaccination and quarantine plan through the ArriveCAN app. This step must be done before arriving to Canada.

“For trips out of the country longer than 72 hours, all travellers eligible to enter Canada must complete the mandatory pre-entry molecular COVID-19 test. Antigen tests are not accepted,” the PHAC statement read.

The PHAC also said that “fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents or individuals registered under the Indian Act who depart and re-enter Canada by land or by air within 72 hours of leaving the country do not have to provide a pre-entry molecular test result.”

Click here to see steps on what to do if you are entering Canada as a vaccinated traveller.

Fines and Imprisonment

Failure to complete an arrival test will result in quarantine instruction and penalties or fines.

As of November 25, the agency said a total of 12,102 fines were issued for the following reasons: refusing to go to government-approved accommodations; arriving without a valid pre-entry test; refusing arrival testing; breach of quarantine; and other reasons.

Ontario logged 7,940 fines, more than any other province, between April 14, 2020, to November 25 this year.

Anyone who provides fake information on vaccination status will pay a fine of up to $750,000 or face six months in jail or both as stated under the Quarantine Act, the PHAC said.

“Foreign nationals who provide false information may also be denied entry and/or banned from returning to Canada,” the agency added.

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