The coronavirus pandemic closed the U.S.-Canada border in March 2020. Members of the United States-Canada Inter-Parliamentary Group met virtually Tuesday discussing what it will take to fully re-open it safely and when?
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, is a co-chair of the United States-Canada Inter-Parliamentary Group. “What is a low-risk and acceptable amount of risk for us as we look at the value and the importance of this to both of our economies?
” The question, and the answer sought; what would a safe border look like? Canada offers the Arrive Can App.
“I give Health Canada permission to basically do a data handshake with my State Department of Health that has my vaccine record.”
Laurie Trautman is a border expert who says it’s not a privacy issue because users are allowing access to their data. It’s one approach.
Rep. Huizenga, a Zeeland Republican, noted vaccine passports are not popular on the American side of the border.
Wayne Easter, a member of the Canadian Parliament explained both governments agree fully vaccinated individuals should move freely across the border.
Reaching an agreement on verification is the sticking point.