Further Bilateral Coordination is Needed Going Forward
Statement on the Newly Announced Relaxation of Entry Requirements for Vaccinated Travellers by Canada’s Federal Government on June 9, 2021
A Welcome First Step Towards Re-Opening of the U.S.-Canada Border,
Further Bilateral Coordination Should Guide Next Steps
This announcement is certainly an encouraging first step for those economic sectors and businesses that rely on the movement of people across the U.S.-Canada border. The next step forward needs to provide a roadmap for a phased re-opening, in line with the recommendations provided by the Health Canada-appointed COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel on May 27, 2021.
VANCOUVER, CANADA, June 10, 2021 – The Future Borders Coalition (FBC) – whose membership includes over 70 organizations representing all modes of transportation, the cargo and logistics industry, as well as the business and tourism sectors – welcomes the announcement made today by Ministers Leblanc, Hajdu and Anand regarding the relaxation of quarantine requirements for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and essential workers who are fully vaccinated.
The removal of mandatory hotel quarantines and the test-and-release approach for returning Canadians is a small yet positive step in the right direction. Considering the progress achieved on vaccination by both the U.S. and Canadian governments, next steps should include the re-opening of Canada’s border to fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The revitalization of our trading relationship also requires a coordinated roadmap for phased re-opening and a re-evaluation of testing protocols to facilitate the free flow of fully vaccinated travellers on both sides.
“We will continue to support implementation of the recommendations made by the COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel in May 2021 because they are based on evidence-informed scientific advice and reflect the global situation regarding best testing practices. The announcement of steps without a clear roadmap for a phased re-opening of the border brings much uncertainty to those economic sectors and businesses that rely on the movement of people across the U.S.-Canada border”, said Gerry Bruno, Executive Director and Co-Chair of the Future Borders Coalition.
Matt Morrison, Co-Chair of the Future Border Coalition, added: “Both countries need a coordinated and concrete forward-looking plan that allows for a phased border re-opening based on consistent, interoperable, and science-based frameworks. A long-term approach to U.S.-Canada border re-opening is urgently needed.”
For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
FBC Communications
info@futureborderscoalition.org
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