Can I fly to Canada without an eTA?

Me and my famliy are meant to be flying to Canada tomorrow (19-6-2017) from the UK. We did not realise we had to apply for an eTA until today. The applications for my wife and two children have been approved. Mine has not been approved. I hold dual citizenship (British and New Zealand). I suspect it has been put on hold as I have previously had a Canadian work visa application declined. Given that the flight leaves at 11 am tomorrow morning, I assume my application will not be processed until after the flight leaves. Does anyone know if I will be able to board the flight? The email regarding my application states:

"if you do decide to travel to Canada, you may experience delays or be prevented from boarding your flight and/or entering Canada."

It sounds to me like it is worth giving it a go?

Best Answer

Clearly the situation of the original poster has now been resolved one way or another. However, for the benefit of others in a similar situation here is some relevant information:

The Canadian system handling eTA applications is completely overwhelmed and some of the questions on the electronic-only application form are impossible to answer accurately as the form does not allow for accurate answers on previous work visas
I have personal experience of an eTA which the online checker declared to be valid being rejected when I attempted to check in
The Canadian authorities refuse to deal with any questions by telephone. However emails to the UK High Commission are responded to within minutes rather than hours and meaningful help can be obtained in that way.

In my case, having attempted to check in the day before an early-morning flight to Canada, I had the situation resolved before leaving home -- a 5-hour delay, but I was able to catch the intended flight with my family.