Feds want to reunite separated fa milies

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is exploring ways to reunite family members divided by the temporary travel restrictions at the Canada-u.s. border. Trudeau acknowledged recent media reports of family members or people with permanent-resident status being turned away by border agents as a result of a mutual ban on non-essential cross- border travel. But he also noted that while some premiers support the idea, others are concerned about the potential risk of cases of COVID-19 being imported into their

provinces. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been vocal about his desire to keep the border closed, as has New Brunswick’s Blaine Higgs. “We have been looking at ways of perhaps allowing close family members — children, spouses or parents, Canadian citizens or permanent residents — to be able to reunite under strict conditions,” he said, adding that no matter what the government decides, it will be with the safety and well-being of Canadians at the forefront. He also said that any steps would not impact the travel ban.