Letter to the Hon. Francois Legault, Premier of Quebec - Stefanik Sends Letters to Canadian Premiers on Reopening U.S. -- Canada Border

Letter

Dear Premier Legault,

I am writing to request your assistance in safely restoring non-essential travel across the United States - Canada border. The special relationship that exists between the U.S. and Canada is built upon our legacy of shared values, close cooperation and mutual understanding, and urgently requires a clear path towards restoring cross-border travel.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. and Canada recognized the vital need to maintain cross-border supply chains and allow essential workers to continue travel across the border unimpeded as the restrictions were put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I applaud the Canadian government for establishing a family exemption last June, recognizing the importance of allowing families to reunite with their loved ones. Yet as the conditions have significantly improved in both countries and an increasing number of residents have been vaccinated, the lack of meaning progress towards reopening has been devastating to communities on both sides of our border. Quite simply - the continual month-long extensions without clear signs of coordination or progress are straining the U.S. - Canada partnership.

For months, I've urged the Biden administration to work with the Canadian government to establish a plan for a phased reopening of the border guided by clearly established public health metrics, as well as interim measures to ease restrictions on families, property owners, and businesses. Since there has been no substantive progress on establishing a coordinated approach towards reopening the border, I've more recently advocated for the U.S. to take unilateral steps to begin easing travel restrictions. The steps I've outlined include establishing exemptions for family members of American citizens and residents, Canadians seeking to visit their homes in the U.S., and business-related travel or site visits. These measures should be implemented by the U.S. immediately to begin restoring travel and end the current inequity of the U.S. being accessible only to the Canadians with the means to travel by air.

Since the Canadian government recently announced the first - albeit very modest - steps towards removing travel restrictions by ending the 14-day quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents that test negative for COVID-19 prior to and upon arrival, I believe there is a clear opportunity for long-awaited progress. I ask for your support and assistance in providing parity to American citizens seeking to enter Canada who meet the same requirements imposed on Canadians returning from travel. This is a sensible step forward that will bring immediate relief to border communities as we continue our work towards fully restoring cross-border travel.

As Quebec continues to make tremendous progress in the battle against COVID-19, I respectfully request your partnership in reopening the U.S. - Canada border and reviving the deep economic and social bonds our two nations share.

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