CANADA: Go Away, Pastor Terry Jones

Canada yesterday blocked Florida-based Pastor Terry Jones from crossing the border to deliver a planned speech in Toronto.

Jones told CBC News he may appeal. But for the time being, he said he would head back to Florida. The Canada Border Services Agency made Jones go through a secondary inspection when he arrived at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont., around noon. Secondary inspection involves a search of a person's vehicle and more extensive questioning. He was held there for several hours before being told he would not be allowed into Canada. Jones said the CBSA cited a previous peace bond infraction in the U.S. as well as an incident relating to a disputed honorary doctorate in Germany to keep him out. "The reasons are pretty bogus in our opinion," he said.

A spokesperson for Canada Border Services would not comment specifically on why Jones was turned back, but said, "Several factors are used in determining admissibility into Canada, including involvement in human rights violations, in organized crime, in criminal activity, security, health or financial reasons." (Tipped by JMG reader David)