BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — According to reports from CBC and CTV, the Canadian government will lift the COVID-19 test requirement for fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents returning to Canada for trips under 72 hours.
CBC reported the change is expected to go into place at the end of this month and the COVID-19 test requirement would still be in place for trips longer than 72 hours. Shortly after the CBC report, CTV reported it confirmed the Canadian government is expected to lift the COVID-19 test requirement for short trips.
Congressman Brian Higgins (D - NY26), who also serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus and the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group, was part of a bipartisan meeting Wednesday between a Members of the House of Representatives and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Higgins announced he learned during the meeting that the changes to the testing requirements for those entering Canada via the land ports will come in three phases. The elimination of the testing requirement for vaccinated Canadians is phase one and changes to testing for vaccinated Americans and others will come in subsequent phases.
An official announcement is excepted to be made Friday.
The fractured approach to border management by both the U.S. and Canadian governments is contributing to public confusion, anger and frankly, it makes no sense. Fully vaccinated individuals, regardless of if they live in Canada or the United States, are equally protected from getting or giving COVID. Testing is not only unnecessary, it is prohibiting a cross-border exchange critical to fostering economic recovery in both nations. I was encouraged by today’s meeting that testing requirements on vaccinated Americans will soon be addressed. I hope that discussions this week can produce a more cohesive policy strategy between the U.S. and Canada on this and other matters.
