Chamber: Border extensions "fundamentally eroding" U.S./Canadian relations

PLATTSBURGH | While the latest 30-day extension of non-essential border travel was fully expected, local economic leaders said the slow progress toward reopening is causing lasting damage to international relations. While the North Country Chamber of Commerce applauded the strong and continued advocacy by local elected leaders, officials said the prolonged interim measures are causing irreparable damage. "The year-old border restrictions have as expected been extended for another thirty days," Chamber President Garry Douglas said March 18. "The economic and social impacts continue, but there is also a growing concern about the over-arching impact on the entire relationship between the U.S. and Canada which is arguably unique in the world. Unlike other bi-national relationships which are largely driven by government-to-government actions, the special relationship between the U.S. and Canada has long been driven by people-to-people connections and interactions." And so, he said, "this unprecedented separation is now inarguably doing deep and lasting damage on multiple levels. Simply put, it is fundamentally eroding our special relationship." Douglas said of "key concern is that while the stakes for both countries are enormous, there continues to be a lack of appropriate urgency shown by both governments in planning and pursuing the way forward. Our own Senators and Congresswoman get it and are advocating strongly with us, but we must all up the sense of urgency for at least some interim steps. We will not let up."

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Chamber: Border extensions "fundamentally eroding" U.S./Canadian relations

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