Premiers, state leaders call for open U.S.-Canada border

REGINA — Two Canadian provincial premiers and the leaders of three U.S. states have called for the re-opening of the border between the two countries.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, his Alberta counterpart Jason Kenney, and the governors of North Dakota, Montana and Idaho have written the heads of their two countries to ask for the move. 

“We urge both countries to work together to reach an agreement that will allow for the movement of citizens, goods and tourists beginning immediately,” says the letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden, dated Friday.

The letter says the states and provinces are continuing to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and work together to provide vaccinations.

“We must embrace personal responsibility by providing vaccinations to citizens seeking the vaccine, reduce mitigations that cause economic harm and encourage travel for commerce and tourism,” it says. 

It calls the current restrictions “unnecessary delays.” 

Canada has said it will begin easing entry for Americans on Aug. 9 while the U.S. has said it will wait until at least Aug. 21. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2021. 

The Canadian Press