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Possible Project in Canada

John C.

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Got a request from a client to look at some machinery for purchase in Canada. I called a friend in BC for advice and was told I might need permits to come into the country to do inspections for possible purchase. Does anyone know if that is a thing and just what kind of permits would I need?

Thanks for any input.
 

td25c

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Probably something to it John .

Was working for a farmer in the late 1980's . Project at the time was repowering an old Buckeye wheel trencher from gas to a diesel power unit .

serveimage


The Boss ended up buying a 4-71 out of Canada . All was good until he gets a call from the trucking company at the border entering the US .

Can't remember all the details of what paper work wasn't strait .

Have a vivid memory of the Boss on the phone with customs .

" It's a God Damned 4-71 Detroit engine bought & paid for ! " :D

Good luck with the project John .
 

StanRUS

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Last edited:

245dlc

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Got a request from a client to look at some machinery for purchase in Canada. I called a friend in BC for advice and was told I might need permits to come into the country to do inspections for possible purchase. Does anyone know if that is a thing and just what kind of permits would I need?

Thanks for any input.
Just like any other sovereign nation we have our rules about exporting or importing anything. The Hitachi I run at work was imported from the U.S. and we had to do that through a broker so you'll probably find it easier to call one other wise the border guards will have a few things to say.
 

excavator

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John, I think you are asking about doing the inspections, not about the customer importing the equipment. As far as I know they do not allow you to go up and do any kind of work that a Canadian citizen can do. Getting a permit from the government for a one time thing would likely not be worth the hassle. Taking tools other than a laptop across the border is usually a problem. I would think though if you found a local mechanic to come and do the inspections it would be OK for you to be there overseeing them. Let us know what happens as I live 2 miles from the BC border and would like to know. Thanks.
 

John C.

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I have sent the question in to the Canadian consulate through their web site. The possibility is for multiple machines in a couple of different provinces. Once I have an answer from the Canadian government people I'll post it here.
Thanks for all the input.
 

wornout wrench

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Will be interesting to see the results.

I have know of several Youtuber's that have been turned back at the border because of missing documents. Apparently posting something on youtube is considered working.

Who knew.
 

John C.

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You can get paid for the video you upload onto YouTube so I would think it would count as something you could hire a Canadian citizen to accomplish as well.
 

StanRUS

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Ca, gov answer per inspecting equipment will be interesting...

Mechanic-Welders (US based union employees or independent subs with their own service rigs) do not have issues getting work permits for Canada working on US based-owned and controlled equipment; Ref Peed Construction guys doing that.
 

Shimmy1

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Any chance you might be making a mountain out of a molehill?? Unless your client is a Canadian, and he is hiring you to come up into Canada to work for him, I would think you are simply going up to Canada to look at equipment. What business is it to the Canadian government other than that? When you get to the border, or customs at the airport, I would think all you need to say is you are planning on *looking* at equipment for sale, where you will be traveling, and how long you plan to stay in Canada. Whether or not you are getting paid by another U.S. citizen or business should be of no concern, nor even matter to the Canadian government. I would believe, however, if you are going to be compensated for this venture by a Canadian citizen or business, that probably would change things.
 

John C.

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The reason I asked the question is because of people I know warning me about the hassles they had crossing the border to do exactly what I'm being asked to do. Laying hands on a piece of iron may mean I should be hiring a Canadian citizen to do the inspections or that I have to have a permit. If there is a cost to the permit then my client needs to know they will be billed for it and how much and again how it will affect the job process.

At any rate it doesn't hurt to ask the question here and from the Canadian government before I were to drive the three hours north and then have to wait at the border on someone else's bill for paper work to be processed.
 

245dlc

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The reason I asked the question is because of people I know warning me about the hassles they had crossing the border to do exactly what I'm being asked to do. Laying hands on a piece of iron may mean I should be hiring a Canadian citizen to do the inspections or that I have to have a permit. If there is a cost to the permit then my client needs to know they will be billed for it and how much and again how it will affect the job process.

At any rate it doesn't hurt to ask the question here and from the Canadian government before I were to drive the three hours north and then have to wait at the border on someone else's bill for paper work to be processed.

I'm with Shimmy and I live in Canada. Its really none of their business what your doing you can be simply visiting family in Saskatchewan and B.C. and your a mechanic so you always have tools in your truck with you. Just don't bring any guns and I mean that people have been thrown in clown college (jail) for that when trying to cross the border.
 

Bumpsteer

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Canada doesn't screw around with firearms.....hunting long guns can be brought in by following proper procedure.

Handguns are 100% not allowed by foreigners. Go to jail, directly to jail, do not pass go, do not....you know the rest.

This policy has been in effect for decades...

Ed
 

245dlc

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Sounds like Chicago .

When I hear don't bring any guns ……. That's when I really need the gun .:D
I didn't post it to be controversial just as an FYI some of these laws have been in effect since the Yukon Gold Rush days when the NWMP (North West Mounted Police predecessor of the RCMP) were stationed at the border with early gatling guns in an effort to deter the lawlessness of the 'Wild West' south of the 49th parallel (USA). To this day the RCMP are a larger force than the Canadian Army and are a federal police force like the FBI but a much much bigger deal.
 

Welder Dave

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I think you could look into a work visa or just say your going to look at some machinery you're considering purchasing. Don't say you're being paid but going to look at a machine that might be coming up for auction. If they question you further say you dabble in used equipment if you find the right deal. I'm sure US buyers come to look at equipment in Canada all the time.

The RCMP a much bigger deal than the FB!? I don't think so Tim.
 

245dlc

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I think you could look into a work visa or just say your going to look at some machinery you're considering purchasing. Don't say you're being paid but going to look at a machine that might be coming up for auction. If they question you further say you dabble in used equipment if you find the right deal. I'm sure US buyers come to look at equipment in Canada all the time.

The RCMP a much bigger deal than the FB!? I don't think so Tim.
Yes they are in the way that the U.S. has not only FBI, but ATF, and DEA and all these other organizations separately, but we have all those under the umbrella of the RCMP and much more.
 

Welder Dave

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The RCMP may handle more types of law enforcement under one umbrella but not in the same league as the FBI. CSIS although kind of joke is like the Canadian FBI. The US has 10 times the population.
 

DMiller

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Only time tried to enter Canada was given the third degree by the entry port staff, took all the stuff out of our Harley, scattered it on the ground, damned impersonal and impertinent late 20 somethings to early 30 somethings, brash and Azzholes. Guess they thought a late fifties man and woman on a Harley claiming to be tourists was too easy. Never stated Sorry, Never stated when done Excuse our being so strict or severe, just left our stuff in disarray ON THE PAVEMENT and walked away, said "they are not hauling" to another man as just walked away. We refilled the bike and rode BACK into the states. Couple of Dirt Hippies in a derelict RV got a glance over and free pass. Do not feel I ever need to go to Canada, ever. Did find it humorous he could not manipulate the lid on a used Vet bottle we carry laundry supplies in(tide pods), I did get sarcastic and state "Have to be smarter than the bottle" then removed the lid where he promptly dumped the contents to the ground.
 
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