Harmonization of testing requirements, interoperability of digital travel credentials, and inter-agency coordination on border risk management are essential for multi-modal travel recovery
November 8, 2021 – The Future Borders Coalition (FBC) – the bi-national industry group representing all modes of transportation, cargo and logistics, as well as the business and tourism sectors – welcomes the re-opening of the U.S. border for fully vaccinated Canadian travelers using air or land transportation. The reciprocal re-opening of the U.S.-Canada border as of November 8, 2021, is encouraging for transborder business and tourism travel, and a long-awaited development for thousands of Canadians with family and business links in the U.S.
We invite the U.S. and Canadian federal governments to engage in bilateral discussions as soon as practicable, with the objective to harmonize testing and other entry requirements based on principles of sound risk management and the latest science. Onerous and inconsistent testing protocols continue to confuse transborder travelers and increase travel costs for businesses and families, potentially affecting positive recovery trends. In addition, vaccine recognition and interoperability of digital travel credentials are essential to support the sustainable recovery for multi-modal travel between both countries and should be addressed at the soonest by both governments.
“As Canadians, we look forward to visiting our American friends in the coming weeks. The re-opening of the U.S. land border is an encouraging step towards a renewed U.S.-Canada partnership. We urge both governments to consider the creation of a permanent framework for future coordination and border risk management. We should ensure that our countries remain competitive and attractive for international travelers”, said Gerry Bruno, Executive Director and Co-Chair of the Future Borders Coalition.
“We look forward to working with both governments on how to best leverage the latest border technologies and digital solutions to ensure that the U.S.-Canada border remains secure and more efficient. As demand for transborder travel continues to grow, the deployment of adequate staffing and resources will also be essential to prevent bottlenecks and costly delays for travelers and operators” added Matt Morrison, Co-Chair of the Future Border Coalition.
For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
FBC Communications
info@futureborderscoalition.org