VANCOUVER, CANADA, July 21, 2020 – The Future Borders Coalition has called upon both federal governments to gradually ease travel restrictions at the U.S.-Canada border based on four key principles, namely the adoption of a bi-national and coordinated approach, the application of a layered risk-based approach whenever entry requirements are reviewed by border authorities, the implementation of a phased approach informed by science and easy to understand criteria by the public, and a continuous assessment of the economic impact resulting from the extension of border closures. The proposal was sent to Canada’s Cabinet Committee on COVID-19, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and to the Honorable Chad F. Wolf, Acting Secretary of U.S. Homeland Security.
The Future Borders Coalition also proposes the establishment of a Joint Task Force with the mandate to review and develop risk-mitigating measures and health-related protocols, and ultimately to allow the orderly, safe, and gradual easing of border restrictions in the coming months. The Task Force would be composed of government officials, public health experts, and an Advisory Committee of private sector leaders.
Gerry Bruno, Executive Director and Co-Chair of the Future Borders Coalition, explains the initiative: “the U.S.-Canada border has been closed to non-essential travel since mid-March so there is an urgency to begin working on what is the best approach for easing travel restrictions going forward. We need to find a way to reconcile public health imperatives with the social need to speed up economic recovery”. Matt Morrison, Co-Chair of the Future Border Coalition, added: “We recognize that health protocols will become an integral part of all border crossings in the future. Our four principles are aimed at creating the basis for the work by the Joint Task Force”.
The Future Border Coalition is a bi-national initiative of more than 60 member organizations from all modes of transportation, the U.S. and Canadian business community, as well as industry groups. Our mandate is to promote the efficiency and security of the U.S.-Canada border by developing a policy agenda built on the use of technology and innovation and improvements in processes and facilities.
For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
FBC Communications
info@futureborderscoalition.com