U.S. welfare mom turned back at border
By TOM GODFREY, SUN MEDIA
TORONTO -- Complaints alleging discrimination against visitors collecting welfare have been filed against the Canadian border services after a U.S. woman was refused entry to Canada last Sunday because she is dependent on social services.
Rose Kelley, 25, of Owosso, Mich., claims she was refused entry twice last weekend by officers of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at Sarnia's Bluewater Bridge because she didn't have a job and was collecting social services.
The single mother of two was invited to spend three days in Canada at the home of Wayne and Carolyn Leblanc, in Clinton, near Guelph. The couple have their own home and were paying for Kelley's visit.
Kelley and the Leblancs each filed complaints alleging discrimination by the CBSA for banning from Canada visitors who collect social services.
"The officer said a person on welfare shouldn't be going on vacation," Kelley said in her May 4 complaint to the CBSA. He (the officer) said: "You really should not come back to the border until your life drastically changes."
Carolyn Leblanc said her family drove for three hours last Sunday from Clinton to Owosso, picked up Kelley and her kids, ages one and five, and drove them to Canada. Stopped at the border, they were refused entry and had to take Kelley and her kids back. The families are seeking an apology from the CBSA and permission for Kelley to cross the border.
CBSA spokesman Patrizia Giolti said visitors must show they can financially support themselves while here.