FORT ERIE (January 26, 2021) On January 25, 2021, the Ontario Border Mayors sent a letter to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Minister of Foreign Affairs asking for an opportunity to be consulted regarding the reopening of the Canada-United States Border.

The letter highlights the implications that occur when essential workers are crossing the border for work and then interacting with others in the community each day after they return to Canada, as well as concerns around those permitted to cross the border to visit relatives and return.

Since the border was closed in March 2020, the Ontario Border Mayors have requested an opportunity to be consulted on this matter. The mayors are again respectfully requesting an opportunity for the ministries and the federal government to take advantage of their expertise as border municipalities.

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QUOTES

“This initiative has been put forth so that Ontario’s Border Mayors can be a part of the border reopening process when the time comes. We believe that our knowledge can be of assistance when creating new policies or altering existing policies that regulate activity at the border.”

– Mayor Christian Provenzano, City of Sault St. Marie

“When the federal government is considering how and when the border restrictions will be eased to the point of reopening, we want to have a seat at the table. Our municipalities represent some of the busiest border crossings between Canada and the United States. I believe that our knowledge and expertise have value when it comes to reopening the border in a safe manner.”
– Mayor Mike Bradley, City of Sarnia

“We understand how the border works. Our residents are crossing the border, manning the border and constantly watching the border. It’s only natural that we should be part of policies that affect the border.”

– Mayor Wayne Redekop, Town of Fort Erie