“The recent announcement that those who are already permitted to cross the United States-Canada border no longer have to quarantine if they are vaccinated is a step in the right direction but it simply is not enough change to make a significant difference for folks across the North Country who have been struggling due to this border closure. I may sound like a broken record, but families continue to be separated and businesses continue to struggle due to these restrictions for the past 15 months. It is great to see unilateral movement from the Canadian government toward lifting these restrictions, but it is time that our federal government follows suit and starts a phased reopening approach to allow Canadians to cross the border to see their family, and access property, boats, businesses, and airports.

“As infections rates decreased and vaccination rates increased, I have continuously called on both governments to start making progress toward reopening safely and even called on our government to help vaccinate our northern neighbors to help speed up the process. The lack of action towards reopening the border is beyond frustrating for people across the North Country and I will continue to work with our federal representatives and local business leaders to start making progress toward lifting the border restrictions.”