FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 18, 2021

MASSE QUESTIONS THE GOVERNMENT ON THE BORDER RE-OPENING FOR CANADIANS FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES

WINDSOR, ON – NDP MP Brian Masse (Windsor West) questioned the Liberal Government today in the House of Commons on their plan for re-opening the border between Canada and the United States.

TEXT OF QUESTION (Unoffical Transcript)

Mr. Brian Masse (Windsor West, NDP): Madam Speaker, land border communities and families have been reeling for more than a year as parents, brothers, sisters, loved ones and even children have been torn apart by restrictions. We all want to keep everyone safe. That is the entire point of family reunification for family and businesses, but at every turn the Liberals ignore input, fearmonger and never offer solutions. What is worse is the elite exclusivism and the shroud of secrecy that creates anxiety and depression. The NDP proposed an inclusive safe border task force to find solutions and give stakeholders and the public confidence.

What is it going to take before the Liberals offer a plan to help Canadians through this ordeal?

 

(TRANSLATION)

Mr. Joël Lightbound (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Lib.): Madam Speaker, last year, we put in place significant reciprocal restrictions on our border, among others, with the United States in a public health objective and always guided by science and by a public health imperative to properly protect Canada.

As far as our border services officers are concerned, we make sure that they have the most up-to-date information, the most relevant also to render decisions quickly for citizens who have to cross the border for essential reasons. We will continue to observe and assess the situation as it continues to evolve with this imperative to protect Canadians against COVID 19.

-30-

For More Information: Melanie Namespetra 613-996-1541 or [email protected]