What are my rights when crossing the border?
Thanks to Peter Kearns for writing this answer directly for the FAQ. YOUR RIGHTS AT THE BORDER – From Peter Kearns Any customs officer may search anyone or anything he wishes at our borders or entry points. This can include at their discretion a cavity search or x-ray of your person. They do not have to justify their reason for search, as the Customs Act section 99(1) exempts them from the Charter requirement to demonstrate reasonable grounds. If a customs officer asks you if you mind him searching your vehicle, you should always agree. But then ask, Are you detaining or arresting me, and for what reasons? To search you or your vehicle, it is logical that you must be detained while this happens. To legally detain you they must advise you of your right to counsel, as well as their reasons, and you can insist that counsel be present. Remember that you are only required to respond to questions specifically about goods you declared. The Act requires you answer questions about declared good
