I'm trying to understand whether there are any future implications of voluntary withdrawal to enter Canada. During the whole COVID-19 pandemic I remained South of the border because I work in the US. But there was an essential need for me to drive to Canada to assist in dealing with a security situation at my strata in Vancouver, which required installing a security camera to prevent the risk to health and safety of residents.
When I showed up at the border, I was told that I would have to self-isolate for 14 days and that it was mandatory. I was previously given an exemption to the Quaratnine Act deemed performing essential service when I entered for a similar reason about a month ago. They told me that since then the rules had become stricter and only health care professionals, fire fighters and truck drivers were exempt.
After a lengthy discussion at the booth I was told I had basically two options - proceed and be subjected to the provisions of the Quarantine Act, or voluntarily turn around and go back to the US. I asked if there will be any record and negative consequences of the second option, and was assured, that no, I simply "drove up to ask questions". I decided to turn around, they walked me to the exit gate, gave me my passport back and wished me a safe drive. The CBP officer asked if they gave me any paperwork, I told they did not, and he them simply let me through.
Is voluntary withdrawal of decision to enter considered a denial or in any other way negative, or is it exactly as the CBSA officer said it was - merely a "consultantation"? He said that I formally cannot be denied entry since I'm a citizen, but I always have an option not to enter if I chose so.
When I showed up at the border, I was told that I would have to self-isolate for 14 days and that it was mandatory. I was previously given an exemption to the Quaratnine Act deemed performing essential service when I entered for a similar reason about a month ago. They told me that since then the rules had become stricter and only health care professionals, fire fighters and truck drivers were exempt.
After a lengthy discussion at the booth I was told I had basically two options - proceed and be subjected to the provisions of the Quarantine Act, or voluntarily turn around and go back to the US. I asked if there will be any record and negative consequences of the second option, and was assured, that no, I simply "drove up to ask questions". I decided to turn around, they walked me to the exit gate, gave me my passport back and wished me a safe drive. The CBP officer asked if they gave me any paperwork, I told they did not, and he them simply let me through.
Is voluntary withdrawal of decision to enter considered a denial or in any other way negative, or is it exactly as the CBSA officer said it was - merely a "consultantation"? He said that I formally cannot be denied entry since I'm a citizen, but I always have an option not to enter if I chose so.
