For those of us who were hoping for the introduction of a duty free allowance for same day cross border shopping trips, we recieved some disappointing news last week.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty rejected a request from U.S. Congressman Bill Owens asking that a same day duty free allowance be introduced for Canadians, similar to the same day duty free allowance that is available to U.S. citizens returning from day trips to Canada (currently, Americans are entitled to bring $200 worth of goods back to the U.S. on a tax free basis when they visit Canada for less than 24 hours).

While the request was rejected at this time, Congressman Owens states that he hoped a same day duty free allowance could be worked out at a later date.

Let's hope he's correct. We'll be sure to keep you posted, as we know a same day duty free exemption would be welcomed by cross border shoppers.