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
7.1.21 BNP Advocacy Alert – Where are we on Infrastructure?
As we enter July – Senator Schumer’s target finish line for the infrastructure package – many details remain in the air. President Biden recently joined a bipartisan coalition of Senators to announce a deal had been reached on infrastructure. But, until the ink is dry and the votes are cast, debate is far from over.
6.24.21 Webisode: What Employers Need to Know About the NY HERO Act – #1
The NY HERO Act creates new workplace safety standards that every private employer in New York will have to follow. These standards govern a wide variety of topics, including health screening, masks and PPE, handwashing, surface disinfecting, social distancing, quarantines, and ventilation.
6.21.21 BNP Advocacy Alert – Poloncarz Announces ARP Spending Plan
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced today his plan to invest the county’s share of local aid from the latest COVID-19 relief package.
The American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion economic stimulus plan signed by President Biden in March, provided $178 million to Erie County.
Poloncarz said the county’s “RENEW Plan” will invest $123.7 million in:
6.15.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: NYS Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions
NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today the immediate lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions as 70% of the state’s adult population has been vaccinated (receiving at least one dose of vaccine). The 70 percent threshold in a national standard.