Hoeven requests Biden reopen U.S.-Canada border for trade, non-essential travel

Following the Biden administration’s announcement on Aug. 20 that the United States will continue border restrictions with Canada through at least Sept. 21 due to the ongoing pandemic, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) urged the president to instead safely reopen the U.S.-Canada border for trade and non-essential travel.

“The continued border restrictions that prevent entry to the United States from Canada have created challenges for my constituents, including individuals who have family, friends, or property on the other side of the border,” Sen. Hoeven wrote in an Aug. 20 letter sent to President Joe Biden.

In addition to the personal impact to both Canadians and Americans who cannot visit with loved ones, the continued border closure also has impacted small businesses and created supply chain disruptions, the senator wrote.

“Trade and travel along the U.S.-Canadian border are essential to the U.S. economy as well as the economic livelihoods for states and those living along the border,” wrote Sen. Hoeven. “The continued restrictions on non-essential travel have put an immense strain on communities along the U.S.-Canadian border, as the majority of these communities are remote and rely on tourism and travel between the United States and Canada.”

The land and sea ports of entry between the U.S. and Canada have been closed for nonessential travel for over a year as part of measures taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

“While the restrictions represented important steps taken to combat the pandemic, and although the Delta variant continues to pose public health challenges in our country and around the world, I am concerned that extending the border restrictions between the U.S. and Canada for another month fails to account for the availability of a safe and effective vaccine,” added Sen. Hoeven. 

As of Aug. 19, the senator wrote that 65 percent of the population in Canada was fully vaccinated, while 51 percent of Americans have been fully vaccinated, with 60 percent having received at least one shot. Further, according to the senator’s letter, Canada has been permitting non-essential travel by fully vaccinated Americans since reopening its country on Aug. 9.

“Ending restrictions on non-essential travel at land and sea ports of entry between the United States and Canada would greatly benefit both countries by alleviating supply chain disruptions, helping border communities, and reuniting families and friends,” he wrote.