(Banking) Clearing of foreign currency funds

= A Canadian company sent me a bank check payable to me for goods sold to
them. I went
> to my local bank and deposited it into my foreign currency account. As per
> normal local banking protocol I had to wait 45 working days before check
> is cleared and funds are made available into my account. This period
> elapsed and the funds became available. I withdrew half of the funds for
> my own use. Three weeks
after, foreign bank sent the check back to my bank and requested
verification of my signature of endorsement. My bank blocked my funds until
they are verified. My bank confirmed signature and sent it back to foreign
bank. My account was still kept blocked. A week later foreign bank sent the
check back again claiming that the check was counterfeited by the payer. Now
my bank wants the money back from me. What are my rights? Didn\'t the
foreign bank break the normal banking protocol more than once, i.e sending
the check three weeks after the 45 working day period for verification of my
signature and then sending it again stating that his client had
counterfeited the check?
> Shouldn't my bank claim the money from the foreign bank and not from me?
> What are my right please? Should I be the one to suffer from a bank\'s
> mistakes and delays.

I appreciate your help cause I feel that I\'m going to be the one to suffer
for someone else's mistake.

Thanking you in anticipation.
Regards,

The one who deposits is always liable under banking law. But try arguing the banks misled you or some such things. They may strike a deal with you.