Meerholz Apparently Still Here

Monday, January 31, 2011 01:55 PM

Prince George, B.C. - Although ordered deported today, it appears an alleged member of the Game Tight Soldiers remains in Prince George...at least for now.

The Immigration and Refugee Board ordered 23-year-old Francois Meerholz deported to his home country of South Africa for criminality and failing to report new charges and convictions to the Canada Border Service Agency, despite an earlier agreement to do so.

However, the Board released Meerholz on a five-thousand dollar bond earlier this month, on the condition that he report daily to a CBSA officer in Prince George from January 24th until today. A CBSA spokesperson in Vancouver says the Agency will only confirm an individual's deportation once that person has been removed. When asked if Meerholz has been removed, she once again responded that a removal would only be confirmed after it's occurred.

The spokesperson would also not discuss whether Meerholz is pursuing any other legal options available to him, reiterating earlier comments to Opinion250 that CBSA is not at liberty to discuss individual cases. (click here, for previous story)

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Posted on Monday, January 31, 2011 01:55 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: HarleyGuy72 on January 31 2011 2:05 PM

I find it interesting how when a person facing deportation from Canada who seemingly does not deserve it , the details are everywhere . But when someone who does not deserve to stay in our Country is ordered out , it is kept top secret. If you cannot find him just say so , and get the public looking for him. Get him the hell outta here. He is a guest in our Country and chose to not follow the Laws of our Country. For guys like you , Canada is Full go Home!

Posted by: zyblxteu on January 31 2011 3:06 PM

Maybe he reapplied for refuge status??

Posted by: HarleyGuy72 on January 31 2011 3:56 PM

Given his history there should be no chance for any status. Get him out of our Country. It is bad enough that tax payers have to house Canadian Criminals , why are we paying for criminals from other countries too?

Posted by: acrider54 on January 31 2011 4:20 PM

Was there any doubt? They treat crooks better than they do the legitimate imigrants trying to get into the country. And not mention a Canadian coming back to Canada through the border, they treat you as a criminal as well.

Posted by: HarleyGuy72 on January 31 2011 5:03 PM

No kidding . I took my family on a 2 week trip to LA and Arizona a few years ago. The US Customs officer was very friendly , and welcomed us to the Country, Yes I did say US Customs. When we came back , the Canadian Customs treated us like criminals. Like we were scum of the earth for taking holidays outside Canada. They even went so far as to ask how we got there. Now take in mind we were driving our pick up . I felt like telling him we walked , but thought better of it.

Posted by: new2pg on January 31 2011 5:03 PM

Sadly, your comments are very true Acrider54

Posted by: Dragonmaster on January 31 2011 5:22 PM

It doesn't matter that the people know, that to kick this scum out of Canada is the moral and absolutely right thing to do. Those in charge could care less what we think because we the people let them do as they please. Until the people stand up and DEMAND they do the right thing, you'll never see any change. If they did the right thing their jobs would be part time.

Posted by: polar7018 on January 31 2011 7:01 PM

why would they (cbsa ) release this type of guy on a $5000 bond? he could be anywhere in the country now.

Posted by: NMG on January 31 2011 7:39 PM

If we're going to assign blame, at least target the right people. I'll bet that I'm 99.9% correct in saying that the customs folks only did what they were allowed to do. Deportations and the issues around them are almost certainly entrenched in law, and the law is created by the MP's sitting in Ottawa. Blame them, not the employees who simply carry out the law.

Posted by: gitterdun on January 31 2011 11:15 PM

"He was already out on bail in Prince George when he was picked up by the CBSA earlier this month on an outstanding deportation order." (see Vancouver Sun)

The first Immigration and Refugee Board adjudicator ordered him held in custody but at a second hearing a different adjudicator, Daphne Shaw Dyck, released him. Did the fact that there was already an outstanding deportation order give her any clue that he might not show up for this one???

I'd like to know if he reported every day like he was supposed to.

Why didn't the adjudicator ask where the $5000 was coming from? I doubt these guys have jobs..........well not legal ones.

This is a violent criminal with nothing left to lose....why would they not notify the public? The public's safety at risk yet they're not at "liberty" to let us know.

IMO if someone is injured or robbed by this guy, then the person who let him go free should be held accountable.

Posted by: jakeadoo on February 1 2011 12:02 AM

So our MP's have a difficult time bringing home one of our citizens who was shot in Mexico,they have a difficult time getting Canadian citizens out of Egypt,but no problem allowing a gangbanging thug to remain in Canada,while he scams the system.I think maybe some protesting needs to happen in our province and country,in order to show the government (like that in Egypt),that they are employed by the citizens of this country.Now I feel better after that rant!

Posted by: western2 on February 1 2011 3:55 AM

Folks, Folks, Folks. This is Canada. There is no justice in Canada. Is there?

Posted by: gimmeabreak on February 1 2011 5:19 AM

We can thank Daphne Dyck for Meerholtz being released into the custody of his gangster brother. It is known that CBSA petitioned vigourously for Meerholtz to stay locked up until deportation, but the nice lady at the Immigration Board must have thought that incarceration might be too hard on the poor dear.

The Feds hands are tied because of the independance of the Immigration Board and I bet if someone checked, they would find that Ms. Dyck is a carry over appointment from the Liberals. Don't think Harper is soft on crime do you?

Posted by: whoawhoa on February 1 2011 7:41 AM

What they need to do is make an example out of this man. Hunt him like a dog until he surfaces and then throw him on a plane and get him out of here. They have already screwed up by releasing him when all the red flags said not to. To redeem themselves they need to get him out of here. Known gang member, criminal back round, many run ins with the law in Canada, not a permanent resident...the list goes on. What I would love to know is what criteria did he meet to be released?? Canada needs to grow a set of B@lls and have a serious look at our laws. Because its obvious that the gang memebers are studying our judicial system looking for loop holes are we are the ones looking like fools.

Posted by: gimmeabreak on February 1 2011 4:02 PM

80% Liberal fed governments since Confederation....they had lots of time time screw up our legal system...ain't gonna be fixed overnight thats for sure.

Posted by: PrinceGeorge on February 2 2011 9:23 AM

Being in full agreement with all the opinions that demand that the man should have been put swiftly on the next available flight I nevertheless would recommend making sure that first of all the most minute details and requirements of the law are precisely followed - because if his lawyer(s) can find even the most tiny and insignificant omission or error the man will sue, return and end up getting a couple of million dollars of our tax money in compensation!

Frustrating, for sure, but lately there have been a number of very costly screwups!