Shaheen Hosts Virtual Roundtable on Safely Reopening U.S.-Canada Border
(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) hosted a roundtable to discuss safely reopening the U.S.-Canada border to vaccinated individuals. During the roundtable, Shaheen heard more from stakeholders, including businesses and associations from across the state and Canadian Consul General Rodger Cuzner, on how continued restrictions at the border harm New Hampshire’s economic recovery and border communities.
A recording of the roundtable can be accessed here.
“It’s been 17 months since New Hampshire residents and Canadian citizens could pass freely at our border. Since then, its closure has strained our families, businesses and communities, who rely on cross-border travel for essential services, commerce and more,” said Shaheen. “I hosted this roundtable to hear more from those who are experiencing firsthand the impact of the border’s closure and explore how to resume travel to vaccinated individuals. I am committed to advocating for its safe reopening, and will continue to work with the Biden administration to follow Canada’s lead in opening the border – especially ahead of the peak tourism season.”
Since March 2020, travel across the two nations’ border has been severely restricted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in significant disruptions to New Hampshire communities, businesses and families. In light of progress in COVID-19 vaccinations in both countries, the government of Canada announced earlier this month that it would open its side of the border to fully vaccinated U.S. travelers on August 9th, but the U.S. government extended its ban on non-essential travel from Canada through at least August 21st. Senator Shaheen has been a vocal advocate for safely and fully reopening the U.S.-Canada border. Last month, Shaheen questioned Secretary of State Tony Blinken on the status of efforts to reopen the two nations’ border.
