7.21.21 Advocacy Alert: US Extends Canadian Border Closure to August 21
Blog Categories
July 21, 2021
Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it was extending its ban on non-essential land entry by Canadian travelers through August 21.
The move comes on the heels of Canada’s decision Monday to reopen its land border to vaccinated, non-essential American travelers on August 9.
Canada’s decision and calls from our region’s federal representatives have not changed the U.S. government’s thinking. When asked Monday if the U.S. would follow Canada’s lead, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the Biden Administration is “continuing to review our travel restrictions. Any decisions about resuming travel will be guided by our public health and medical experts. … I wouldn’t look at it through a reciprocal intention.”
The BNP continues to urge the Biden Administration to welcome Canadian travelers. We called for the border to open in April. In May, the BNP teamed up with Ontario’s Greater Niagara and Hamilton Chambers of Commerce to explain the benefits reopening the border would have for our binational economy. We specifically urged both nations to mutually agree upon a binational border opening implementation plan. Both nations' failure to heed this advice has led to an unbalanced border policy.
The BNP remains committed to reducing unnecessary barriers to crossing the border, and will continue to push the Biden Administration to allow, at a minimum, reciprocal access for non-essential Canadian travelers.
Related Posts
BNP Advocacy Insider – September 2021
The September 2021 Advocacy Insider is a roundup of important issues we are monitoring that could you and your business.
9.2.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS Extends Eviction Moratorium
Last night, the New York State Legislature convened for a special session to extend the state’s eviction moratorium.
The moratorium, which prevents the eviction of tenants declaring financial hardship, will remain in place though January 15.
The move represents Gov. Kathy Hochul’s first legislative action. The bill passed 38-19 in the Senate and 80-60 in the Assembly.
8.27.21 Advocacy Alert: SCOTUS Tosses Federal Eviction Moratorium
Last night, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s latest eviction moratorium. In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that Biden and the CDC do not have legal authority to issue the moratorium without a specific act of Congress.
8.26.21 Advocacy Alert: Hotel & Commercial Conversion Bill Signed Into Law
In the final days of his tenure, Governor Cuomo signed the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA) into law. The law aims to convert “distressed” hotels and commercial properties into affordable housing options.