'On our terms': B.C. officials hesitant to reopen U.S. border quickly
Pressure is mounting on the Canadian government to reopen the land border with the U.S. for non-essential travel.
However, officials in British Columbia are cautioning the federal government about what’s at stake, concerned local progress in lowering COVID-19 case counts will be put in jeopardy.
The current non-essential travel restrictions between the two countries have been in place since March 2020, and are set to expire on June 21.
The B.C. government anticipates opening the border will mean an increase in cases and because of that, it wants the maximum number of British Columbians vaccinated.
“Our expectation for the federal government as they go through this process in this period of consultation with the United States, in consultation with us, and everyone else, is that we prepare for what is needed to deal with that as the time comes, in advance, not announced then prepare,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix.
B.C.’s economy has been hit particularly hard during the pandemic due to a massive drop in tourism.
“We want the world to come here but we want to make sure we do it on our terms,” said Premier John Horgan Wednesday.
“British Columbians have worked really hard to get to where we are with respect to case counts and hospitalizations and all of the sacrifices that have been made, we don't want to throw those away just for a couple of tourists to come earlier than we have anticipated,” said the premier.
Horgan said he has regular discussions with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.
He's also been in talks with a senator from Alaska about issues she considers problematic with Canada, but not B.C. specifically.
Horgan plans to relay those concerns to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau next week.
“Not every jurisdiction across the country has the same view on this matter. Some want to open up tomorrow, others don't want to open up until September. I think somewhere between those two poles is where we'll land,” he said.
Infectious disease experts say the lifting of the restrictions at the border will need to be gradual.
“We're seeing great vaccine hesitancy in the United States, that's 40 per cent, compared to the 10 per cent we have in Canada,” said Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre.
“I want to see that addressed. So I think we're not close to opening the border, sort of widely without restrictions in the short term. But we could begin to allow fully vaccinated individuals to cross the border."
He said communication between the two countries about COVID-19 data will also need to improve.
“I would want to have in place some strategy that if disease transmission does occur, the public health authorities on both sides of the border will coordinate their activities to identify transmission networks and interrupt them and that we have robust strategies to prevent the entry of the variants into either country,” Conway told CTV News.
Trudeau has said his team is in talks with medical professionals and epidemiologists on both sides of the border about easing measures.
A formal announcement is expected in the next several weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon will not run for Liberal leadership
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon will not run in the race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, he announced on social media Sunday morning.
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
Are there U.S. military bases and American troops in Canada?
The U.S. military has more than 165,000 troops deployed in over 170 countries and territories, including Canada.
'Everything is on the table': Joly won't rule out cutting off energy exports to U.S. in face of Trump tariff threat
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is not ruling out any countermeasures when it comes to dealing with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump — his threat of significant tariffs on Canadian imports, in particular.
Royal treasures hidden since Second World War recovered from cathedral
Historical treasures hidden for decades have been uncovered in the crypts of a cathedral, with items including burial crowns and insignia belonging to Medieval European rulers.
Toronto still trying to get students ‘back on track’ with vaccinations after COVID-19 pandemic
Toronto Public Health has begun sending out letters to Grade 11 students who are behind on their routine vaccinations, warning that they could face suspension if they do not comply.
'Thankful for the rest of my life': Woman's final goodbye with father captured on video at Winnipeg airport
One woman is expressing her deepest gratitude to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after the staff helped her retrieve the security footage of her final moments with her father.
New Canadian joins the navy, fulfilling his father's dream
Onboard a warship with 250 personnel, if you take the time to listen, you’ll discover a sea of inspiring stories.
As Biden joins the former presidents club, here are some ideas for his retirement to-do list
U.S. President Joe Biden is about to have a lot more free time. He need look no further than past presidents for ideas on what to put on his retirement to-do list.