BirdTalk Dear Bird Talk, For the six winter months that I’m in the U.S., am I legally allowed to still be dealing with my clients back in Canada? A.k.a. − working. I am self-employed. I was told that I cannot, because it’s considered working in the country, even though my clientele is in Canada and my paycheque comes from Canada. Dan Hamilton Ontario Ed.: The prime work test is, “Are you taking a job away from an American?” In this case, you are not and you should be fine. Make sure that your paycheques are deposited in Canada for a little extra separation. Dear Bird Talk, We have just purchased a home in Florida and are hoping to travel in October for approximately five months, depending on restrictions. We have rented for a few months, but have never crossed as a homeowner. Is there anything that I require when crossing into the states? Karen Guzzi Thunder Bay, ON Ed.: No, you will be fine. Congratulations! Dear Bird Talk, My husband and I have owned homes (three) in Florida since 1992, and have spent every winter there, except for last year. We are beginning to have serious concerns about border openings for the coming season and are wondering if there could be any change to the “essential travel” condition, which could include us as concerned homeowners with a sizable investment in the U.S., on which we continue to pay property taxes. We MUST get back to that home this year... do you have any sense of whether this type of exception will be considered if the “non-essential ban “ is still in force? I know that we are not alone...this home is a large part of our estate and we feel that it essential to be sure that it is not losing value as we speak. It has now been empty for 18 months. I hope to hear something positive on this subject in the near future. It is very stressful for all of us Canadian snowbirds (especially those who are homeowners). Thank you for your continued support. Linda Johnson Mont-Tremblant, QC Ed.: I believe that there is no possibility of the non-essential travel ban being removed any time soon. Neither government cares about you and me and our minor problems (major to us, of course). This is raw, bare-knuckle politics at its worst, prior to elections. Your only option is to get on a plane and go, and rent a car in the U.S. This works! Dear Bird Talk, I am wondering if we can take homemade jam across the U.S. border from Canada. Dave Freed Lethbridge, AB Ed.:While the entry of goods into the U.S. is made at the discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer processing your admission, in general, jams and other homemade dishes are prohibited as there is no way for the customs officer to verify the contents. It is strongly recommended, when travelling into the United States with any food products, that travellers keep all original labels identifying content and origin. Dear Bird Talk, When travelling back home from the states, how many days must we remain home so that those days do not count as being in the states when we re-enter the U. S.? Jack Toth Oakville, ON Ed.: Thirty days is the recommended time. It makes for a long Christmas with the family. 12 | www.snowbirds.org
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