US-Canada Begin Talks To Ease Border Restrictions In June

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been strict border restrictions between the US and Canada. The two countries have banned all but essential travel since March 2020, causing massive damage to the travel industry. However, in recent days, sources in Washington claim the U.S has intentions to ease border restrictions by June 22nd. This news comes after Justin Trudeau’s government has started plans to loosen border restrictions.

Requirements Needed For The Border To Reopen

The Canadian Prime Minister has claimed that over 75% of Canadians would need to receive a vaccine before opening the border. Currently, Canada has given 61% of its eligible population a first dose of the vaccine, which continues to grow daily. As of this week, over 22,347,313 Canadians have received their first dose.

Reports also suggest that Canada will ramp up second doses in June to protect vulnerable people. Justin Trudeau stated that conversions between the two countries are ongoing, and both sides are eager to reopen the border. 

The following border review is on June 21st, but the two countries have pushed back the opening date on many occasions. Many people expected the two sides would loosen restrictions in May 2020, but Justin Trudeau tweeted that the border would close for another month to protect Canadian health and limit the spread of COVID-19.

The US Department of Homeland Security took to Twitter to confirm the continual border restrictions to “fight COVID19 spread and protect our citizens.” However, they also stated they are working closely with Canada to open the border as conditions improve.

In recent months, American lawmakers have pushed to get Justin Trudeau to ease the border restrictions. Republican Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) expects Canada to open the border next month as American lawmakers look to ease restrictions at all US borders. In recent days, Canadian MP’s have added pressure on Justin Trudeau to outline a clear plan on reopening non-essential travel between the two countries. That includes members of Justin Trudeau’s own Liberal Party, who are also demanding that the prime minister begins the border opening process.

Despite the growth in vaccinations, many Canadians are reluctant to open the border. Surveys suggest only 48% of Canadians want the border reopened. In addition, only 23% of Canadians want the border opened now, and 21% want to keep the border closed until the end of 2021. However, many Canadians want the border reopened in the summer, with 48%of Canadians suggesting vaccine passports are the best way forward. Only 31% of Canadians suggest a hotel quarantine is necessary for vaccinated travelers.

Likelihood Of The Border Opening In June

Although there’s no certainty that the border will open in June, the rising number of vaccinations and the lowering number of COVID-19 cases between the two countries indicates a change is coming. COVID-19 cases are declining across most of Canada, and it’s the same in the US. Political and economic pressure in the two countries also suggests the two countries will begin to speed up discussions in the coming weeks.

Reports suggest that the border closure has cost between $665-885 million since the border closed in Erie County alone. The US is also the worst impacted tourism industry worldwide, and the closure of the Canadian border plays a considerable role in that. In 2020, the United States lost nearly $150 billion from its economy due to border closures.

The US is starting to open up for travel, with the EU opening for American tourists and the CDC approving its first cruise line. In addition, the dropping cases, higher vaccination numbers, and growing economic hardship suggest non-essential travel between the US and Canada is on the horizon.

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