Business groups on both sides of the border cautiously optimistic about re-opening

SURREY (NEWS 1130) — As we await more details on the U.S. border re-opening plans, businesses on both sides of the border are already looking forward to a return to cross-border commerce.

Among them: the Surrey Board of Trade, which has been pushing the government to take action to re-open the border, and work with the U.S. to convince authorities to do the same.

The board of trade represents many businesses that have taken a major hit due to the closure, especially since there are two ports of entry that fall within the city limits. That has traditionally led to a financially fruitful relationship with neighbours just a few minutes south.

Prior to the pandemic, it was common for many to cross the border to do a little shopping, take a day trip, or even grab dinner and be back in their own country a short time later.

But for 19 months, the majority of tourism and commerce dried up. Surrey Board of Trade CEO Anita Huberman estimates the total loss is in the billions.

“Even our national head office, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa and Toronto, they haven’t been at the table either in terms of the border re-opening. That’s ridiculous for the nation’s business organization to not be at the table, ” Huberman said about the lack of consultations being had throughout the pandemic.

Various NY elected officials have confirmed that Canada’s land border with the US will finally be reopened next month for vaccinated travelers. Now we need the details, including confirmation that all vaccines approved by Canada and travelers with mixed doses will be accepted.

— Perrin Beatty (@PerrinBeatty) October 13, 2021

In August, Canada welcomed vaccinated visitors from the U.S. back, and in September, extended that to allow all foreign nationals. It led to a small boost to Canada’s economy.

But, the U.S. had remained tight-lipped until recently on its plans to resume accepting non-essential travellers.

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She says without a specific day or detailed rules, there is still a lot of caution surrounding what the re-opening will look like exactly, but Huberman says they are cautiously optimistic.

“I expect a more gradual change because we are still trying to figure it all out,” Huberman said.

She says some have been hesitant to go to the states or vice versa, but anticipates a shift in that mentality as Christmas approaches.

It’s not the only organization cautiously celebrating the news.

“Our governments must build on this momentum and work together to provide a universal and internationally recognized vaccination certification system, ensure Canadians with mixed-dose combinations are eligible for entry and reassess pre-departure PCR tests for fully vaccinated travellers,” the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade wrote in a statement Wednesday.

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Meanwhile, word of the coming re-opening is being welcomed by Seattle’s tourism sector.

It’s been a long time apart, but now that the doors will soon be open, John Boesche with Visit Seattle is calling this a moment his organization has been waiting for.

“Canada plays a special role in our tourism economy making up about 10 per cent of our overall visitation. Canada makes up about 70 per cent of our international visitation,” Boesche said.

It’s a feeling of excitement too for Guy Occhiogrosso with the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, although after so many shifts during the pandemic, there are some nerves too.

“I’m leery of it not lasting, let’s just say. But definitely, the first emotion is excitement … for so many different reasons,”

Occhiogrosso says he’s most happy for cross-border families who can now properly re-connect.