The Canadian government plans to open its borders to fully vaccinated Americans in a matter of days — but not everyone is thrilled about the decision.
Starting Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.
But for many British Columbians, the move comes far too soon as the number of people actively battling COVID-19 infections is starting to spike in the province.
Additionally, roughly 9,000 Canadian Border Service Agency workers are preparing to begin job action across the country on Friday and say travellers should expect long lineups and lengthy delays at border crossings and airports.
On Twitter, a local man mentions that the United States hasn't moved to allow Canadians to enter. He mentions that "Canada is not providing reliable vaccination records! There is NO proof with QR code to be used at the border!"
Other people mention that Canada should reopen when the United States does or at least wait until September when travel is opened up to all international travellers. Some of them wonder if another lockdown will ensue shortly after the border reopens.
Have a look at what a few Metro Vancouverites had to say.
International travel to resume in September
After opening its border to Americans in August, the Canadian government plans to welcome international visitors starting Sept. 7. Of course, that date is contingent on the current domestic epidemiologic situation — a spike in cases could mean that the date is pushed back.
Canada’s borders have been closed to non-essential travel since March 2020.
Find more information about entering the country with the Government of Canada's pre-travel checklists.
With files from Nelson Bennett, Glen Korstrom, and the Canadian Press.
