Dear Sun Spots: I read your column every day and find it very helpful. I have a question that I hope you can answer. My family is planning a trip to Canada but I have heard that if someone in the state of Maine has been convicted of operating under the influence, that person cannot cross the border into Canada. Is this true? I have searched for information about this but have had no luck. Thanks for your help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with criminal lawyer (solicitor) Stephen Biss of Ontario, Canada, who says the person convicted needs to apply to the Canadian government for what is called rehabilitation before crossing the border or being allowed into Canada.

If it has been many years, it’s more than likely the government will consider the person rehabilitated and the application process should go smoothly and quickly. If it’s been several years it may take somewhat longer to process. If it’s been a very recent conviction, you will probably not be allowed to enter. You may also need to consult with an immigration lawyer if you encounter problems.

You can log onto www.lawyers.ca/international, click on DUI: Legislation in Ontario, then click on Ontario, Immigration Act of Canada, section 36 (1) to (3) – Immigration/Exclusion of Visitors, Inadmissibility to Canada for Criminal Conviction. Scroll to the bottom of your screen where you will find a link for fees and one for forms for Determination of Rehabilitation. You can also check on the Canadian Government’s Web site for the forms at www.canada.gc.ca.

The gist of it, Biss says, is that a U.S. citizen or other non-Canadian citizen convicted of a DUI offense in the U.S.A. or any country other than Canada, will be inadmissible to Canada on grounds of criminality, unless rehabilitated, because the DUI offense is deemed to be a Canadian DUI offense and all Canadian DUI offenses are deemed indictable (similar to a U.S. felony) unless the Crown has elected to proceed with the DUI offense by summary conviction.

Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone have a great recipe for tomato macaroni soup or tomato rice soup? I am especially interested in what they use for a base for the soup.

Answer: Sun Spots located the following recipes published in the column in 2000. Hopefully, you and your family will enjoy them:

Old World Tomato Rice Soup Ingredients: 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, pinch of baking soda, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 2 teaspoons flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 3/4 cup sour cream or light sour cream, salt and pepper to taste. Method: Place tomatoes, baking soda and rice in a saucepan. Heat to boiling. In separate bowl, mix sour cream, flour and sugar and add to tomato mixture. Cook gently, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Serves two to four.

You may also be interested in the following recipe. Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped onions (chopped), 1 clove garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons margarine, 12 cups water, 2 medium potatoes (diced), 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons Accent seasoning, pepper to taste, 1 cup rice, 2 cups tomatoes (peeled and chopped), 2 teaspoons fresh basil (chopped), Parmesan cheese (optional). Method: Sauté onions and garlic in margarine. Add potatoes, water and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Add rice and tomatoes. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on each serving for additional flavor. Serves 8.

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