“The announcement earlier today that the U.S.-Canada border will remain closed through at least July 21 is beyond frustrating. It is unconscionable that there continues to be no plan forward from the federal governments to reopen the border. This continues to have a significant impact on our regional economy and action must be taken to ensure this vital lifeline to our friends and families is safely opened. As co-chair of CSG East’s Canada-U.S. Relations Committee, I’m working with local officials and stakeholders, including the North Country Chamber of Commerce, as well as our neighbors to continue to push for plans to reopen the border.

“From fostering international trade and creating good-paying jobs to helping families stay connected, an accessible border is critical for North Country families. Seeing the lack of progress in developing any sort of plan to reopen the border, I am calling on the U.S. Government to begin taking unilateral steps to safely reopen this critical crossing as soon as possible.”