Fort Simpson (May 09/03) - After his one year expulsion expires, Tyler Aukan is free to apply for re-entry into Canada.

Randy Gurlock of the Department of Immigration in Edmonton said Aukan's chances of being accepted depend on his length of stay. To become a permanent resident, Aukan would have to apply to a Canadian embassy. He'd be rated on the same selection scale as anyone else, based on skills and other criteria, Gurlock said.

To return as a visitor, Aukan would require only a valid passport, Gurlock noted. However, immigration officers at the port of entry would question his intentions as they do for all international visitors.

"Whether he'd be admitted at that time I can't say," said Gurlock.

Sgt. Brian Winters, of the Fort Simpson RCMP, noted that Aukan (charged under his given name of Tiele Stowhase) was granted an absolute discharge by Territorial Court Judge Michel Bourassa for possession of a restricted weapon -- the .44 Magnum. However, Stowhase was prohibited from possessing firearms in Canada for 10 years.

Gurlock said only those with convictions are subject to being permanently barred from Canada.