International Falls port entry. Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP and Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford is ready to welcome fully-vaccinated Americans back to Canada.
The border reopening and no quarantine requirement for those with two doses takes effect August 9.
Rickford says this is incredible news for Northwestern Ontario and the local tourism industry.
In a statement, Rickford says, “I have been a vocal advocate to have our American borders open, especially here in Northwestern Ontario. I am glad the Federal Government responded to our calls for action. I look forward to welcoming our American residents and tourists back and seeing our world-class resource-based tourism industry operating at full capacity once again.”
Kenora MP Eric Melillo says the opening of the border to American visitors is welcome, but too late.
The Conservative representative says the loosened restrictions will be too late for tourism operators to save their summer season.
Melillo notes local tourism operators have already lost the majority of their season.
He says the initial rounds of federal COVID supports for the industry were insufficient and the Liberal government let Northwestern Ontario fall through the cracks.
Melillo stresses more help is needed and the government can’t let things slip again.
Meantime, the U.S. government has announced land borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least August 21.
