'It's very frustrating': Barrie couple faces $12K in fines under expiring travel rule
After months of missionary work in Jamaica, Thelma and Glen Perry of Barrie say they were welcomed back at Toronto's Pearson airport with a pricey surprise.
The fully vaccinated couple, who are in their 80s, were handed more than $12,000 in fines for not complying with the quarantine act.
"It's a feeling that comes over you that you can't explain," said Glen Perry.
The Perrys' flight arrived a little earlier than the 10:30 p.m. expected arrival on July 4.
The couple says they thought it would take them until after midnight to get through customs, which is when the rules around government-ordered hotel stay for travelling Canadians were set to expire.
Instead, the couple says they were fined just before 10:00 p.m., despite asking if they could wait in the airport until midnight.
CTV News reached out to the Canadian Border Services, who say, "travellers who arrived before 12:01 a.m. on July 5 were not eligible for the reduced public health measures."
Their only option was to stay at a government-approved hotel for three days and quarantine for two weeks.
"It's very frustrating, I'm very stressed out, and I'm very disappointed in Canada," Thelma said.
Local MP John Brassard is now trying to help the couple.
"I contacted both ministers Hajdu and Blair by email asking for some reasonableness and some compassion in this situation," Brassard said. "I haven't heard anything at this point."
As for the Perrys, they hope that something can be done soon, as they can't afford the ticket.
"We are at a crossroads, and I don't know what comes next," Thelma said.
According to the back of their tickets, they have three options: either pay the ticket, meet with a prosecutor to find a resolution, or fight the tickets in court.
Right now, the Perrys say the last option might be their only choice.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.