I read your magazine when I am home in BC but at present I am in Baja Mexico. I wondered if there was any write-in campaign or reaction to the Canadian Visa imposed on Mexicans? Many Canadians may be taking for granted the easy Tourist Pass that we get for our entry into Mexico and I for one thought that was likely the kind of Visa that was now required of Mexicans entering into Canada. But, after talking to a Canadian married to a Mexican national I realize that it is a very different experience for a Mexican entering Canada. He was telling me that they can only apply through Mexico City and is very costly.

We don’t accept Spanish applications so it is $30 a page to translate. And, I guess they have to prove income, family history, etc. Apparently it is a very invasive questioning of one’s integrity, etc. And, after that expense, one can be denied with no explanation. Seems Canada has adopted the American model. My concern isn’t entirely altruistic, but we Canadians could face a reciprocal response from the Mexican authorities if we keep treating their Nationals like second class North Americans.

So just wondered if some organization was lobbying our government to spend their time going after illegals rather than honest tourists. Our friend can’t take his wife home for two weeks to visit his Canadian family because it is such an arduous task to get her in for a visit. Any suggestions would be appreciated. For some factual information regarding what Mexican Nationals have to go through to visit in Canada contact Brian Westerlund at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

He owns Diamante Associates in La Paz so it isn’t likely he is trying to sneak into Canada with a Mexican wife. He just wants to be treated with the same respect we Canadians get when we come for the “sun” to Mexico every winter. ~ Joan Topping (enjoying the sun), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it