border visit 29 january 2023

We arrived at Roxham at 3.20 pm on a cold, snowy day.   We were accompanied by two film students from the University of Quebec in Montreal. They were planning to make a documentary on Roxham Road for their degree studies.

The first taxi came at about 3.45 pm bringing seven young men (in their 20's and early 30's)  from Afghanistan, Turkey and one who was likely from Sri Lanka.   They were all in need of gloves, hats and scarves and carried very little with them. Some wore only shoes.  After the police officer said the usual things, he added in a rather irritated tone: '' it's your choice now so make up your minds''.   I was talking in basic English with a friendly  man from Turkey while they waited to cross at the border. He pulled out a box of cigarettes and offered me one and so did another man. This was a first!   I explained that they  would not be able to smoke once they crossed into Canada :)  They smilingly replaced them and crossed with the rest of the group without incident

Quickly after this a second taxi brought  a family from Venezuela - a couple with two children in their early teens.  We spoke halting Spanish with them which they appreciated. The father was concerned about being deported.  They crossed into Canada. and  likely did not understand what the RCMP said. This is often the  case given the fact that people come from around the world and many do not speak English or French.

The last taxi brought another Hispanic family:  parents and one child.  They accepted some warm things but there was not time to speak with them.

In total we met with 14 people this afternoon.