U.S. plan to re-open land border to Canadians

Fully vaccinated Canadians will soon be able to drive to the United States for non-essential reasons.

American president Joe Biden’s administration announced the U-S will reopen its land borders in November.

This comes after nearly 19-month’s of the border being closed to Canadians looking to drive, or ferry to the United States.

More details are set to be announced on Wednesday including what requirements will look like to get into the country.

A specific date hasn’t been given at this time, but the new measures are expected to start in early November when a similar easing of restrictions is set to kick in for air travel.

Sask. MP Hoback welcomes easing border restrictions

Prince Albert Member of Parliament Randy Hoback is pleased to see the Canada-U.S. border approach a full reopening for vaccinated travelers.

The U.S. plan was first announced by New York congressman Brian Higgins Tuesday evening.

Although a firm date isn’t set, Hoback expects restrictions to be eased by Nov. 1.

“There’s still things to learn about how this is actually going to operate,” Hoback said.

As rules currently stand, proof of a negative test is required to get back into Canada after traveling to the U.S.

“For the snowbirds going down to the U.S. that won’t necessarily be a big deal, but for the day traveler that could be a problem,” Hoback said. “A family of four, that could be $800 just in testing to get back into Canada.”

Hoback was working with his counterparts in the U.S. for weeks to try and ease restrictions, but he’s waiting to see what exactly what the new rules will be.

With high vaccine rates as a country, Hoback wants to see all rapid testing requirements eased when it’s safe to do so.

“I’d like to see us get to that point sometime soon,” he said.

It remains unclear whether Canadians who received mixed vaccine doses will be deemed eligible.

“They’ve got a lot of people in the northern states who would like to come up and watch a hockey game, and we have a lot of Canadians that like to travel into the U.S. for a weekend. It’s the same thing,” Hoback said.

With files from the Canadian Press