Moving to Canada

Hi all.

We are to emmigrate to Canada and I was wondering if anybode knows if I could bring my collection of Aconitums with me, or would it be easier to start again when we arrive?

I have over 20 different varieties and cultivars and it would be heartbreaking to leave them behind after all these years.

Hope the weather is better where you are. Here it is very hot and we have a hosepipe ban (no rain for nearly 2 months). That means miles of walking with a watering can.

Steve

I hear ya, Steve. It has been terribly hot in my end of Canada for most of the month of July. Suppose to cool down tomorrow, back into the 70's (29C) tomorrow, but back up into the high 30"s by mid week and beyond.

What part of Canada are you moving to?

Good Luck with your move and hope you'll visit often on the Canadian forum.

Don

Hi Don.

We would like to go to Kelowna BC, but it all depends on where I can get a job. We have just applied and we were told that it could take up to 3 years to get there :o(

Steve

You need to check with the Canadian consulate re bringing the plants with you. It is my understanding that you can only bring bare root plants into the counbtry - i.le. nothing in pots, no dirt. And I dont know but they should if you need a Phyto Certificate - you could also google the Canadian Govt Website and Im sure you will find links to the laws regarding importing plants.

Good luck with your move. Why have you picked Kamloops? Nice spot.

carol

Hi Carol.

Will check with them. The plants will survive the trip no problem as bare roots.

I work in a paper mill here in England and my search on Google and Yahoo came up with some mills in the Vancouver area. Kamloops/Kelowna look very nice and research on the area made up our minds. But it all depends on where I can get a job.

Steve

Hope you make it to Kekowna, Steve. Beautiful place! Very near to where I live.

Hope you have success in your relocation venture.

Don

Hi Steve,

Saying England and drought in the same sentence sure seems like a contradiction! I hope the weather gets back to normal for you soon. How are your plants fairing in the heat?

Sandy

Hi Sandy,

I know it sounds strange 'England' and 'Drought' together, but its true.No rain for two months and the weather people say its going to be even hotter in August.

A lot of our plants are dying even though we are watering them every night. We have lost most of our herbs, which is silly because they are surpost to be drought tolerent. Surprisingly the Agapanthas, Lillys and Aconitums are doing marvelously and Aconitums don't normaly like hot and dry conditions. The lawn we have given up with, it is brown and the soil has cracked and opened up.

We are waiting to get some of the rain that they had in New York area as we usualy get it after them but never as bad.

Steve

Hi Don

Yes it is beautiful going by the photos I have found. We are coming out on vacation next October and hiring a camper van and touring the area to see for ourselves.

Steve

Woo Hoo!!...just in time for the Wine Festivals...enjoy!

Don

Don't forget about coming to Vanouver Island. You get more extreme temperatures in the Kelowna area, and snow, while we're more moderate on the coast. We also have at least 3 paper mills on the island. Naniamo, Campbell River and Port Alberni. Also Powell River on the coast of the main land across from Comox. Comox has a small mill that does special papers etc and sends them direct to Asia, I think.

Definelaty worth checkinginto if you haven't already.

PS it has rained all night! Yeay!!!

Ah c'mon MG99, we don't get that much snow, and when we do, it melts as fast as it came. For the most part, the winters are pretty mild, rarely going below freezing. Although for Ice Wine, they need a freeze to get that wonderful vintage, Extremely hot temps. this summer, yes we sure did get that. Hovering around 40C was 10 degrees above our normals for this time of year.

Although, I will certainly agree with MG99 regarding Vancouver Island. A beautiful part of B.C. as well. If I couldn't live here, I'd certainly move there in a heart beat.

P.S. It hasn't rained here yet, but we are expecting 1 mm of rain today which after 3 weeks of none will seem like a drop in the bucket.

Don

Hi MG99

Dont worry, Vancouver Island is on our list of places to check out. In fact my wife wants to live in Victoria, but I enjoy the mountains and country more.

Thanks for the list of mills. Will check them out in a while. Just got out of bed, 11.20am here, am on night shift this week.

Just had our first drop of rain. YIPPEEEEEE. Was getting fed up turning the shower on to remind me what it looked like :oD

Steve

Hi Don

Yes we know about the Wine Festivals, thats one reason we picked that time of year :o)

Now its rained, though you wouldn't guess cause its drying already, the temperature has droped a bit so we can sleep better (no air con here, doesn't stay that hot long enough to justify getting it)

Steve

Had more rain last night, still not enough.

Will keep this thread opdated with our relocation reports so it will help others who want to make the move.

Steve

My 18 year old son has been on a bit of a tour out West and he absolutely loved Kelowna. He said there's seems to be lots of work and he's considering returning there to live. Hey, I wouldn't mind visiting him there!

I used to live in Calgary, Alberta and I have very fond memories of family trips to the Okanagan Valley. It's a beautiful area.

Please do keep us posted with your relocation reports, Steve!

Sandy

Having trouble undrstanding some of the forms and we have got an advisor to help us.
He has e-mailed some advice and we can e-mail him with any question we want and he will answer within 3 days.

There are some questions he cannot answer but you might ;o)

1. Do your cinemas do sweet popcorn as well as savory?
2. Do you have Wal-Mart?

The top one is the most important because over here we only have sweet popcorn and my wife loves it.

Steve

LOL...I can answer the 2nd question without any problem, Yes, we do indeed have Walmart Stores here; you'll find them in most cities accross the nation.

Number 1 question, however, I can only answer from past experience in my locals. We only had buttered popcorn in any movie theatre (cinema) that I have encountered. Maybe some one else has more insight on this in their particular areas. Anyone know of any movie theatre's selling sweet (I am assuming like caramel, etc) popcorn where you are?

Don

Thanks Don

Thought that would be so with the Walmart. Helen has said that it sweet as in sugary popcorn not the caramel, but it is the caramel that I like so Im happy with that. :o)

Steve

Hi Steve,
We got to the movies quite a bit (4 kids here to entertain) and I can't say that I've ever come across a sugary-type of popcorn or even caramel for that matter unless they carry Cracker Jacks. Mind you they do usually have a stand set up with various toppings that you can sprinkle on yourself but those are savory toppings. My kids go nuts sprinkling on the ketchup and sour cream 'n' onion one the most. The items at the concession stand are rather dear I find and often I will buy goodies at the store and sneak them in my big purse. When the previews start and there is enough noise going on, that's when I open my pop cans and chip bags, lol.

Erynne

I have tasted something called KETTLE CORN, and it is available in mocrowave packages. That's the only way I have seen it. It is actually sweet and salty at the same time. Never have seen it at movie theatres though!! I enjoyed it.

Glenda

This message was edited Aug 4, 2006 4:35 PM

Veshengo I've got my British co-worker beside me right now.

Barb says that she can't remember what the sweet popcorn tasted like there but you may want to arrange for *care* packages to be sent (she's pretty sure an equivalent isn't available here). BTW if you (or your wife) are fans of Cadbury chocolate bars they definitely don't have the same taste here.

When Barb saw your post another item she thought you'd be wondering about would be Marmite and Branston .......... it is available here now (Barb couldn't get it 40 years ago when she first arrived).

Pam
(whose English Great-Grandparents greatest treat was receiving their twice yearly package filled with the tastes and smells of the land they left behind).


This message was edited Aug 4, 2006 3:09 PM

Thanks all.

When we get over we will have to get my Mom to send stuff over so we dont get to homesick :o)

Latest news, been reading the introduction letter from our advisor and it might take up to 54 months to get over, IF they accept our application.
Im not going to worry, just take it one step at a time. Two years or five, no matter as long as we get there.

Steve

Good attitude, Steve! All the best wishes to you and Helen as you plan. Remember what the old adage says..."Good things come to those who wait." :)

Don

Steve regarding your plants you should contact:

PLANT HEALTH DIVISION
PLANT PRODUCTS DIRECTORATE
CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0Y9
(TEL: 613-225-2342; FAX: 613-228-6602)

This explains it somewhat (note you should have the Latin and Common names listed when you fill out the permit)

Food, Plant and Animal Inspections
Wondering what the law allows?

Insects? Sandwiches? Hunting trophies? Travellers may safely bring many plant and animal products into Canada in personal luggage. But remember: Canadian law requires you to declare all plants and animals and their products, including insects, that you bring into Canada.

Many travellers fail to declare things like meat, animal hides, live birds, plants and fruit. Most travellers are unaware of the hazards ... but the risks are real. These items can harbour microscopic diseases and pests that can seriously harm Canada's agriculture industry and environment.

Canada is serious about protection.

Administrative penalties of up to $400 may be imposed or prosecution may be pursued if you do not declare restricted or prohibited items. Officers of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) work with specially trained detector dogs -- to prevent the entry of plant and animal products prohibited by law.
Declare everything you are carrying.
It's the only way to be sure.

Use the table as a quick guide to what you can bring into Canada. But remember: the pest and disease situation around the world is constantly changing. Seek advice before travelling and visit the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) regularly.

The purpose of the AIRS is to provide accurate and timely information on import requirements. The application uses a question and answer approach to guide the user through a series of questions about the Harmonized System (HS) Codes, origin, destination, end use and miscellaneous qualifiers of the product they wish to import.

The AIRS has been prepared for the convenience of reference only and has no official sanction. For all purposes of interpreting and applying the law, users should consult the Acts as passed by Parliament.

Plants, animals, and their products from other countries may be prohibited, or may require additional documents before they are allowed entry into Canada.

List of restricted commodities from a country infected with Foot and Mouth Disease

This won't effect you Steve as this part just deals with travellers importing from the United States and where they specify plants can't have soil, pests, or roots is a very recent change (but it may be of interest to others here).

When are documents required?

Meat and dairy products, nuts, plants, fruits and live animals, if allowed into Canada, may require permits issued in Canada in advance, and/or certificates from the country of origin.

Without required documents, entry is not permitted. Some products, plants or animals may be seized and disposed of, or ordered removed from Canada. Others may require treatment before they can stay. Travellers are responsible for all costs related to disposal, quarantine or treatment.

Does my pet need a permit?

Many live animals require permits. Often animals require a health inspection in the country of origin. A domestic dog or cat travelling with the owner need only meet the rabies certification requirements.

Can CBSA supply all the information I need about plants and animals?

No. Some provinces have special requirements, as do other federal departments and agencies such as Environment Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. For instance, Canada has import and export requirements for some 30,000 wild animals, including fish, and plant species and their products listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

For information regarding CITES, phone the Canadian Wildlife Service at 1-800-668-6767 or visit the CITES Web site.

For accurate and timely information on import requirements visit the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).

In Canada, call a CFIA Import Service Centre toll-free:
Eastern: 1-877-493-0468
Central: 1-800-835-4486
Western: 1-888-732-6222


BC won't allow some plants that may harm their forestry industry (mainly fruit trees...many of which can't even be brought in from other provinces)..

Courtesy of the
PLANT HEALTH DIVISION
PLANT PRODUCTS DIRECTORATE
CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY
website.

This message was edited Aug 4, 2006 9:51 PM

Here's a write-up I've kept on hand (a little out-of-date and it deals with ordering from nurseries) but it could contain what the Government might request of you.


There are also import permits that you will have to fill out yourselves.
If the proper forms are not filled out, the plants will be seized by customs officials at the border. The plants are not returned to us, they are destroyed, so you have paid for plants that you will never receive. (They will send you a nice receipt for the destroyed plants though!)



For anyone ordering plants from another country, see below. Outlined below are regulations that apply in Canada. Similar situations may apply to you if you are in another country; read them carefully to avoid disappointment:

WHEN IMPORTING INTO CANADA:
A. Some plants are prohibited entry into Canada. There is also a worldwide ban on buying/selling plants on the CITES list - that is, plants that are rare and/or endangered. Nurseries in other countries probably will not be aware of Canada's strict requirements. Remember, it is up to you, the buyer to ensure compliance.

B. Every plant shipment (package) that comes into Canada requires a phytosanitary certificate. This means that a government certified agriculture inspector at the place of origin of the plants must go to the nursery and carefully inspect each plant. If he/she finds them disease and pest free, he will issue a phytosanitary certificate. For this service, plant nurseries will charge you a fee. This could be as much as $75 (U.S.) In Great Britain, the recent rate for a phytosanitary inspection was 70 pounds sterling per hour (about $160 Canadian). That is, the rate charged by the government to the nursery. The charge to the customer may be greater.

The certificate must accompany the plants in shipment, and upon arrival in Canada, Agriculture Canada inspectors will inspect the plants again and check the phytosanitary certificate and that it has an import permit filled out and approved prior to the plants being sent. There is another fee to pay for this inspection (plus G.S.T.!). Plants that have the proper paperwork, are not a prohibited species, and are disease and pest free are released to Customs for levy of the appropriate duty and G.S.T. If these conditions are not met, (for example - there are tiny snails or insect eggs present), the whole shipment of plants will be refused entry or confiscated and destroyed. Only after the plants have cleared both departments, are the plants released for further transport, (which you may have to arrange at this point).

C. When importing from most countries, a permit from the Canadian Government is required . This entails listing the species names of each and every plant you wish to import. This in itself precludes ordering from some nurseries who do not list the plants this way, and may not even know the correct botanical nomenclature. The balance of the information requested is fairly straightforward: name and address for both you and the seller , approximate date to be imported and the port of entry where the import will take place.

D. A test of the soil in which the plants were grown at the nursery can also be required. Many countries have pests that do not exist in Canada so this can be vital. It can take considerable time for a foreign nursery to be visited by an Agricultural Authority to take samples for testing - especially in the busy spring season. Unless the nursery is counting on obtaining many foreign customers, they may be unwilling to spend the time and effort to do this. The fees for this may be totally charged to you, the customer, or spread among several customers.

E. In Canada, there are also some prohibitions on shipping interprovincially. British Columbia, for example, are very careful about fruit bearing plants.

F. Lastly, but not least, consider the climatic conditions under which the plants have been raised. There can be a major setback or even fatal shock if the conditions vary greatly. Even plants that seem to settle in well frequently cannot survive our severe winters. However, trees for example, if they survive the first winter, may gradually acclimatize themselves, given extra care. Surprisingly, even a plant of the same species as one that you or a friend may have grown with no problems, when raised in a warmer climate and imported may not be able to survive the Canadian winters. Some plants originally native to Canada, when grown for several generations in a warmer climate and possibly selected for some other desirable trait, may no longer be winter hardy in Canada.

These are the plants that are protected by CITES: http://www.cites.ec.gc.ca/listedecontrole/index.cfm?lang=e&fuseaction=scList.swFilterResult
Edited because a direct link to the list won't work. You will have to click on control list and limit the search results to plants only.

However be easier to do a search in Google using Genus and Cites as your search terms since, for example,. it doesn't seem to show Epiphyllums in the list below but they are covered and they are refused entry because it is hard to prove their lineage: http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=Epiphyllum+%2B+cites&btnG=Google+Search&meta= )

deleted list cause it takes up too much room. ;)



This message was edited Aug 6, 2006 8:50 PM

You can start these from seed. Maybe you should brig seed with you and start again. Between Wisley, Kew and other places, you should be able to find all the seed for all your specimens.

Check Kelowna temps. They are far more extreme than UK.
inanda

Hi, I've read a bit of what you're thinking of doing. Here's the site you need: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/index/pppve.shtml
I also do imports and am familiar with import and export of plant and plant parts. I will be into the aggie inspector next week for an export permit for palm seed.

I am wondering how long your Aconitums collection will last in the semi-desert conditions of Kelowna. It does get fairly cold and dry in winter and hot & sunny in summer. There are also a number of nurseries with Aconitums including unusual cultivars. ie http://www.thimblefarms.com/98prentfa.html d-mail me if you wish.

Thank you all for the info.

I will be starting two new threads. One for the move to Canada and another for anything to do with Aconitums.

Steve

This message was edited Aug 12, 2006 12:03 PM