Canada-U.S. land border closure extended until April 21
Posted March 18, 2021 6:34 am.
Last Updated March 18, 2021 9:23 am.
OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The Canada-U.S. land border will remain closed to non-essential traffic for at least another month, with the federal government announcing that restrictions have been extended until April 21.
“We will continue to base our decisions on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe from #COVID19,” Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said in a tweet, confirming the extension.
Border restrictions extended to April 21 #cdnpoli https://t.co/qSXhZ6GT0i
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) March 18, 2021
Measures at Canada’s land crossings were brought in through a mutual agreement with the U.S. in March of last year, as cases of the coronavirus skyrocketed south of the border and as concerns about spread grew.
It’s unclear when the border closure may be lifted, as vaccination efforts continue both in Canada and the U.S. Canada has lagged behind other countries in getting its population inoculated.
Earlier this month, some politicians in B.C. and Washington state were at odds over when the restrictions should be lifted.
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Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford has said the border needs to be closed until there are “strong vaccination levels over here on the Canadian side” and that the reopening should only take place when there is scientific data supporting the move.
However, Bellingham Coun. Gene Knutson argued if Americans are vaccinated, the borders should be opened.
“Our cases here have fallen quite a bit in our state. I think when we get to the point with having everyone vaccinated by May, I don’t understand why it would still be closed,” he explains.
B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has suggested the province will be in a better position in the summer as the vaccine rollout continues.
-With files from Tim James and Kathryn Tindale
