Leaders encouraged by bi-national planning for border travel normalization

PLATTSBURGH | While the latest extension of northern border travel restrictions were fully expected, North Country leaders are optimistic about the current commercial activity and long-term solutions being discussed. Following the recent extension of non-essential travel restrictions through Feb. 21, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, co-chair of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus, said she and others have worked diligently with the Department of Homeland Security, Canadian counterparts, and local elected leaders and said that new plans in place continue to further the eventual reopening process. "I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has laid out new conditions that could be used to ease restrictions for residents and business owners in the North Country, such as considering the degree of health risk indicated in the Center for Disease Control's Travel Health Notice for Canada and Mexico, the public health conditions in the relevant border localities, including those in the North Country, and the staffing levels of local Border Patrol Officers," Stefanik said in a statement following the latest extension announcement. "We are now closer to a viable, long-term solution on this important issue, and I am committed to working with the incoming administration to implement a comprehensive plan to safely reopen the border." North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said that given the current circumstances in both countries, including the ongoing shutdowns in Quebec and Ontario, the latest move was expected though he applauded the continued stream of cross-border commercial activity despite the challenges. "Cross border commercial activity, which is vital to our North Country manufacturers, continues to move freely and strongly and we especially appreciate commitments by our friends in the Quebec Government to avoid supply interruptions as they enacted their current shutdown," Douglas said. "We also appreciate continued non-interference with essential crossers engaged in work, including the many Canadian health care professionals who commute here daily." In the meantime, Douglas said, the local chamber and business advocates "will continue to encourage bi-national planning for eventual normalization, while also continuing to work actively with area businesses impacted by the loss of our Canadian visitors, including assisting them in accessing the new forms of support available under the latest federal COVID relief bill."

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Leaders encouraged by bi-national planning for border travel normalization

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