Retirees from Qualicum Beach had their previously imposed combined $11,400 COVID-19 border fines thrown out. (The Canadian Press)

By Ian Holmes

case closed

Qualicum Beach couple successfully disputes steep COVID border fines

Jun 27, 2022 | 6:48 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — Worrying about expensive fines and attending court are no longer a concern for a pair of retirees hit with tickets totaling $11,400.

A Surrey based prosecutor elected to drop charges against Charles and Susan Lee earlier this month, who were fined in mid-January at the Peace Arch border crossing while on their way back into Canada.

The Qualicum Beach couple didn’t have the necessary lab inspected negative COVID PCR test results which were required at the time to re-enter Canada without being fined.

Charles Lee, 70, said the Crown dropped the fines after receiving proof of their delayed negative test results which became known three days after returning home.

“I certainly am thankful to them for extending that gesture to us before we ended up having to face another court appearance,” he told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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Bogged down by delays in processing test results south of the border, the Lees returned after driving from California without their negative test results to re-enter Canada unobstructed.

Susan Lee had increased abdominal pain, requiring hospitalization for five days with pancreatitis shortly after returning home,

On top of an already sour end to their prolonged vacation, the Lees were both ordered to quarantine for two weeks upon their return.

Charles said the Omicron wave gripping many parts of the world late last year and early in 2022 caused issues on many levels for travel.

He said they made multiple attempts in the U.S. to obtain timely lab inspected COVID results prior to returning home.

“They were being overwhelmed in the U.S. with people that were taking tests to return to school and return to work and there were a lot of people that were just taking tests for their own personal safety.”

On April 1 the federal government removed the requirement for fully vaccinated travellers to provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test to enter Canada.

“Hopefully the process will get a little more streamlined for visitors so they know exactly what the expect when they are departing the country or returning home,” Charles Lee said, who noted they intend to return to the U.S. In the fall.

The Lees were scheduled to enter their pleas in provincial court in Surrey during their second appearance on June 8 when they were told their fines had been waived.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes