>Many Americans who routinely travel to Canada may have more to worry about beyond passport requirements. Looks like the Canadians are using their access to U.S. criminal data bases to keep some Americans on the U.S. side.

This is an article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

Canada steps up criminal background checks at border
Posted by Jim Nichols December 03, 2007 20:00PM
Categories: Breaking News, Crime
You know that busybody neighbor who knows everybody's secrets and has no tolerance for anyone imperfect?

Yes, that neighbor -- Canada.

If you're considering a holiday visit to Niagara Falls or a Windsor casino, be advised: Canada doesn't want your company if you've ever gotten busted shoplifting, holding a joint or driving drunk.

And don't think Canada doesn't know.

Agreements struck in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks have opened the border to a much freer flow of criminal-background information between Canadian and U.S. law enforcement. Now, police at the international border can access the same records available to cops at the Lakewood-Rocky River border -- including that years-old DUI.


Consequently, Canadian agents at airports, bridges and other crossings are routinely turning away Yanks for some offenses considered minor or ancient back home.
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"The last thing you need at Christmastime," the Toronto lawyer said, "is to have the kids and the presents all packed into the car, and then you arrive at the border and -- oops! That old skeleton pops out of the closet. And there goes Christmas."