“Today is a big day in the North Country since it is the first time Canadians will be able to cross the land border since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I want to welcome our northern neighbors back to the North Country. Unfortunately, the Canadian testing requirement continues to remain a barrier for crossing the border since many have experienced difficulty getting tested and will prevent many short term visitors and day trippers from visiting and patronizing North Country businesses. These types of visitors make up a large sector of our tourism and economy for retailers so it’s vitally important that the requirements be the same for both sides of the border and I will continue to push for reconsideration.

“Testing requirements aside, so many on both sides of the border are still relieved today after waiting over 18 months to be reunited with their families and loved ones. This will also help so many of our local businesses that depend on Canadian customers and second property owners who will be able to visit their properties again. For months I have continuously advocated for reopening the border once infections rates decreased and more people in the region were vaccinated and it was a relief when the Canadian government opened the land border for vaccinated Americans in early August. It has been frustrating that is has taken this long for the American government to reciprocate and allow Canadians to cross the land border and unfortunately it is too late for the marinas and campgrounds that missed out on another season this year.”