There is now a push on the Canadian side to get travel restrictions at the Canada/US border lifted.
It’s led by some tourism groups that have been offering suggestions to government on how to do it safely.
Laurie Marcil with Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario says they haven’t received any assurances yet.
“I am still optimistic that we will have that border open this year. I can’t tell you when. But it’s important for people to know that we are not sitting here waiting for it to happen.”
Marcil says every arm of the government has been approached in their lobbying efforts.
She says their working group is focusing on health, immigration, tourism and trying to be part of other groups and coalitions that are talking about this issue.
Marcil notes the purpose of their campaign is to ensure the federal government is planning a safe reopening.
Meantime, Ontario is asking the federal government to impose mandatory three-day quarantines in hotels for travellers entering Canada at land crossings.
The call comes from Health Minister Christine Elliott and Solicitor General Sylvia Jones to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
Travellers arriving at Canada’s international airports currently must stay in a specially designated hotel for three days before completing a 14-day quarantine at home.
The province says there are reports of international travellers booking return flights into nearby American airports, taking a taxi to a United States/Canada land crossing, and walking or driving across the border.
(With Files From Randy Thoms: Fort Frances)
