Canada reluctant to reopen U.S. border
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday the government is still in talks with American officials about keeping the Canada-u.s. border closed as the deal keeping it sealed is set to expire next week.
T he border has been closed since mid-march, but the deal keeping it closed is set to expire on May 21.
Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the National Post that an extension to that deal is being discussed with U. S. officials, but no firm date for how long the border will remain closed has been agreed to.
The deal allows trade to continue, but prevents any non-essential travel through the border.
“Since the very beginning of this pandemic, the communications and the collaboration with our American partners has been exceptional, conversations are ongoing all the time on a range of measures including border measures,” he said.
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, was asked about the issue on Tuesday and said opening up the country to international travellers has to be done slowly and gradually.
“This virus could take off rapidly if we are not extremely slow and cautious with our approach,” she said.
She said the virus is effectively everywhere internationally and so easing any restrictions on travel into Canada poses a risk that has to be considered.
“The United States being one country that still has cases and is still trying to manage outbreaks and they present a risk to Canada from that perspective so we have to take that into account.”
The U.S. has more than 1.4 million cases and more than 83,000 deaths. New York and Washington, two states that share a border with Canada have both been particularly hard hit. America’s per capita rate of infections is more than twice Canada’s.
Canada by contrast has seen 71,000 cases and just over 5,000 deaths.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Wednesday his province just can’t risk an influx of American travellers.
“We love our American neighbours to the south, but right now we are going to have to keep the borders closed, especially just for visits,” he said. “We just can’t chance it.”
Trudeau said the health of Canadians is paramount.
“Right now we’re making decisions for right now, obviously, there are reflections on what next steps could be,” he said. “Every step of the way, in this unprecedented situation we’re reacting to, and responding to the realities we see now and that’s where we will stay focused”
He said he wants to ensure that Canada does not introduce new infections via travellers from abroad.
“Different countries are facing different challenges and as we manage the spread of COVID-19 we will want to make sure that we’re not becoming vulnerable from travellers arriving elsewhere.”