Earlier this year Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) introduced the
Permanent Resident Card to increase border security, improve the integrity
of the immigration process, and provide holders with secure proof of their
permanent residence status when re-entering Canada.

As of December 31, 2003 all permanent residents will be required to present
their Permanent Resident Card to re-enter Canada upon returning from
international travel. The Permanent Resident Card costs $50.00 per
applicant. The Card is normally valid for five years and is renewable.
Application for and renewal of the Permanent Resident Card is a personal
matter, therefore it is the individual's responsibility to ensure
application is made to obtain this card. There will be no alternative to the
Permanent Resident Card, i.e. record of landing documents will not be
accepted.

Children of permanent residents will require a Permanent Resident Card in
order to travel internationally. Children of permanent residents who were
born in Canada are Canadian Citizens and will require a Canadian passport to
travel.

For detailed information on eligibility, the published schedule for applying
based on your year of 'landing', the necessary application forms and FAQ's
regarding the Permanent Resident Card, please contact the Citizenship and
Immigration Canada at:

Call Center at: 1-800-255-4541, OR

CIC website at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/prcard.html

Personally I foresee two problems:
1) Many legally landed residents have been able to travel in and out: USA,
Mexico and many other business and/or winter vacation destinations on their
EXISTING documentation. This has changed NOW!!

2) I also think that a skipper/boat owner should be aware that he does not
invite a legal Canadian resident across the border into the e.g. USA.
WITHOUT this card your guests are not able to return back into Canada. At
present the systems calls for $50.00 fee. May be(?)........ also in
emergency on the wrong side of the Canadian border, but where do you apply
then?
In a case like this can you still afford to stay behind in a foreign country
at your own expense?? It may take 1 week to 6 months to get the Card!
Just food for thought and if it is any different, please enlighten me.
The crossposting is to reach the legally entered Canadian permanent
residents that might work or are visiting the USA, legally as well.
--
c ya Wim
www.cruising.ca/thousand/f-index.html