Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik sent a letter to each of Canada’s provincial and territorial Premiers requesting their partnership and assistance in restoring travel across the U.S. – Canada border. This follows the Canadian government’s easing of their quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated Canadians while leaving the border closed to all non-essential travel.
“For over a month I have urged the Biden Administration to begin unilaterally reopening the northern border to Canadians seeking to travel to the U.S., as this would have an immediate impact on families and businesses along the border.” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “With Canada’s move to ease restrictions on vaccinated Canadians, I am hoping they will follow the science and extend the same treatment to the many Americans who’ve been waiting for over a year to visit their homes or loved ones in Canada. Restoring the special U.S. – Canadian partnership will require the collective resolve of leaders on both sides of the border, and I am asking Canada’s Premiers to join me in this effort.”
In part, the letters read:
“…As the conditions have significantly improved in both countries and an increasing number of residents have been vaccinated, the lack of meaningful progress towards reopening has been devastating to communities on both sides of our border. Quite simply – the continual month-long extensions without clear signs of coordination or progress are straining the U.S. – Canada partnership.”
The letters go on to read:
“Since the Canadian government recently announced the first – albeit very modest – step towards removing travel restrictions by ending the 14-day quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents that test negative for COVID-19 prior to and upon arrival, I believe there is a clear opportunity for long-awaited progress. I ask for your support and assistance in providing parity to American citizens seeking to enter Canada who meet the same requirements imposed on Canadians returning from travel. This is a sensible step forward that will bring immediate relief to border communities as we continue our work towards fully restoring cross-border travel.”
Congresswoman Stefanik has recently met with several Members of Parliament to discuss strategies to reopen the U.S. – Canada border. She also recently introduced the Restoring Northern Border Travel Act, which requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the categories of permitted travel into the U.S. across the U.S. – Canada border to include individuals traveling to visit family members or property in the U.S., attend business meetings or site-visits, or access U.S. airports.
Read the full letters here.
