http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national ... 50425.html

Man deported after 52 years in Canada

Last Updated Mon, 25 Apr 2005 18:47:43 EDT
CBC News
WINNIPEG - A 53-year-old man who has been in Canada since infancy has been deported to England because of a drug conviction, despite efforts to keep him here.

On Monday, Scott Tyler of Winnipeg boarded a plane for England, where he doesn't know anyone. He was born there but hasn't returned since his parents moved to Canada when he was a baby.

Brian Pannell, housing co-ordinator for Young United Church, said Tyler deserves a second chance. He said the church has applied to the Department of Immigration, asking that Tyler be allowed to return to Canada on compassionate grounds.

Tyler isn't hopeful. "My personal feelings are that once I'm out of the country, they're going to look at this application and say, 'He's already gone.'"

Tyler always knew he was a landed immigrant, but never thought he needed to obtain Canadian citizenship to stay in the country.

For years he worked as a truck driver and paid income taxes, just like his neighbours.

In 1999, Tyler fell on hard times and became a drug addict. Two years later, he was arrested and convicted of possession of cocaine, as well as trafficking in the drug. He spent three months in jail.

He says he has since turned around his life, but under federal regulations, he must be deported.

Tyler's friends, family and others have rallied to his cause, lobbying Ottawa to let him stay in the country.

The United Church of Canada intervened in a last-ditch attempt to contest the deportation. Some 200 people signed a petition, and several letters were sent to Immigration Minister Joe Volpe.

However, the letters have gone unanswered.

Immigration Canada could not be reached for comment about the case on Monday, but earlier, a spokesperson said Tyler had broken the law, and there was no recourse.

Volpe refuses to comment on current cases.

very interesting.