FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 21, 2021

MASSE DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM LIBERAL GOVERNMENT ON THE SAFE BORDER REOPENING PLAN FOR FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES

The Speaker: The honourable member for Windsor West.

Brian Masse (NDP): Mr. Speaker, the border between the United States and Canada has been closed for the past 16 months due to the covid pandemic and following the science to protect human health. But now with Canadians and Americans being fully vaccinated, it’s time to follow the science. And once again begin the reopening for families who have been separated for a long time and for businesses who are struggling to survive. No more half measures and inadequate responses. People have sacrificed and suffered enough. When will this government follow the science and open the border to Canadians and Americans who are fully vaccinated? Canadians need a clear plan. When will they do it?

The Speaker: The honourable minister.

Patty Hajdu (LPC): Mr. Speaker, that’s exactly on this side of the house what we’ve been doing. We’ve been following the science and the evidence. We’ve been working so hard to make sure that the sacrifices that Canadians have made over the past year and a half are not wasted. Mr. Speaker, we will continue to take prudent measures to relax measures on the border as based on science and evidence. And today is a good day, Mr. Speaker. Starting July 5th, fully vaccinated travellers who are currently permitted to enter Canada will not be subject to existing quarantine requirements. Mr. Speaker, we can see the finish line. Let’s get there together.