Politicians divided on when U.S.-Canada border should reopen amid vaccinations

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Politicians on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border disagree on when it should reopen, with debate on whether vaccines should change the timeline.

It seems the U.S. is on track to have most Americans vaccinated with their first COVID-19 shot by May, but Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford says that doesn’t change his mind.

“We’re not there on our vaccinations yet,” he tells NEWS 1130. “So, I think we need to make sure that we have strong vaccination levels over here on the Canadian side, on the British Columbian side.”

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has suggested B.C. will be in a better position in the summer as vaccinations continue, yet Halford doesn’t think anything should change with the border until there is scientific data supporting the choice.

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“I expect it will be a decision based on our vaccine levels and data, and it’s going to be important too that we’re comfortable going back and forth with Americans,” Halford says.

“We love to see our American visitors, but we want to do so when it’s safe for both Canadians and Americans,” he adds.

South of the border, Bellingham Coun. Gene Knutson argues if Americans are vaccinated, the borders should be opened.

“Our cases here have fallen quite a bit in our state. I think when we get to the point with having everyone vaccinated by May, I don’t understand why it would still be closed,” he explains.

Should the ???????????????? border reopen when Americans are #COVID19 vaccinated?

"When they get to the point with having everybody vaccinated by May, I don't understand why it would still be closed." – Gene Knutson, @CityofBhamWA councillor pic.twitter.com/5b4Bj4YWjo

— Tim James (@TimJamesPlus) March 9, 2021

He adds cities bordering Canada have been hit hard by the closure.

“It’s been very, very difficult for them. There are a lot of Canadian shoppers on the weekend, and that just hasn’t happened,” Knutson says.

“We miss our Canadian people, and it’s not just about money or coming down to shop. There’s been a lot of friendships over the years with Canada and we just hope they get [the border] opened up as soon as we can.”

The Canada-U.S. border has been closed to non-essential travel for nearly one year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure has been extended on a monthly basis, and is in place until at least Feb.21.

-with files from Hana Mae Nassar