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Posted date : May 10, 2019

Sometimes I think that we snowbirds are the only sane people left on earth. We have a wonderful lifestyle and are relatively free of “interventions” in our affairs and travels.   Looking out the window, we see insane political wars, both in the United States and Canada, and everywhere else for that matter. And dozens […]

Posted date : May 10, 2019

On The Road Again It is late April and it is high time to get our taxes filed. We are driving home (in a friend’s van) for the first time in 10-plus years. The route has been carefully calculated, but my guess is that we will probably stray from the dotted line to explore. Not […]

Posted date : May 10, 2019

What a great year it has been! We have all, hopefully, survived the vicious hurricanes, fires, landslides, upheavals and riots that plagued North America this year and we are looking forward to what 2018 can bring to us as it unfolds.   This past year was, of course, the 25th anniversary of the founding of […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Dear Bird Talk, I recently heard that the six-month rule was changed to seven months. Is this true? I also heard that nine months is in the works. Is this true? Also, for how long can I winter in the U.S. and not lose my Canadian pension? Winston Sharkey Cambridge, ON Response: Ed: Just to […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I have faithfully submitted my IRS 8840 Form for quite a few years now. My question is, can I stay past the 182-day limit by filling out the form? Or am I not protected by the friendly country alliance after the 182 days is up? Alex B. Victoria, BC Response: Ed.: Congratulations on regularly completing […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I am a new member, and just now getting up to speed on all things snowbird. Question: What are the requirements in the U.S. for how long after the scheduled return to Canada does the passport have to be valid upon exit from the U.S.? P.S: have just finished reviewing “all” of the Bird Talk […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Every year, thousands of snowbirds travel south. I am wondering if the CSA has ever approached travel hotels to work out a travellers’ discount, such as is offered with CAA? Chris C Response: Ed.: Great question and, yes, we have had hotel deals in the past. We had arrangements with Holiday Inns, Days Inns, and […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Ed: In CSANews Issue 101 we, meaning me, provided an incorrect response to a Bird Talk letter from Weldon Hehr regarding importing fruit from the U.S. into Canada. I am not sure where my mind was when I answered the question, because I have often imported fruit from the U.S. myself. I also send fruit […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Regarding the 30-day absence rule, I have recently had a fellow snowbird inform me that they have been told that you must actually return to Canada in order for those days not to be counted toward your U.S. time as opposed to travelling, for example, to Mexico for 30 days. Can you clarify this for […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I enjoy reading the various questions and answers re: Dear Bird Talk. One answer caught my attention in the summer 2017 issue 103. It was mentioned that, sometimes, a border guard will only allow you a shorter period (for instance – only 90 days). In that case, you will have to comply with the shorter […]