LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Senate on Thursday approved Sen. Roger Victory’s resolution calling on President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reopen the border between the two nations.
“The ongoing bans on travel between the U.S. and Canada are having a huge effect on both nations’ economies and on hardworking people throughout Michigan,” said Victory, R-Hudsonville. “The bans are hurting our economy by limiting trade and tourism with our closest ally and economic partner. They’re also hurting Michigan families who are currently unable to visit loved ones in Canada. And it’s all completely unnecessary.
“Americans who have been vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test can travel overseas, but they can’t cross the Detroit River to visit family in Canada. That doesn’t make any sense.”
The U.S.-Canadian border has been closed to all non-essential travel since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and is scheduled to remain closed until at least July 21.
Senate Resolution 76 says the American Travel Association estimated that the border closure has cost the American economy $340 million per week. Travel restrictions have been estimated to have led to a loss of as many as half a million Canadian jobs.
It also says that scientific evidence has shown that requiring travelers to be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test can effectively mitigate the risk of spreading or contracting the virus.
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Editor’s note: The above photograph is available by clicking on the image or by visiting https://www.SenatorRogerVictory.com/photos/.
Caption: Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, outlines the need to reopen the U.S.-Canadian border. The Senate adopted his resolution calling on President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reopen the border between the two nations.