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U.S.-Canadian border will likely stay closed

Sep 16, 2020 2:45 pm
Ryan Whalen is reporting for State of Politics the ongoing ban on non-essential travel between the United States and Canada is set to expire next week, but it looks like the restrictions will be extended. CBC News reported this week the border will stay closed for at least another month. Reuters and other news outlets said the ban will likely be left in place through the end of November. Buffalo Democrat U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins said he has been advocating for reopening because of the border's importance to his district's tourism and commerce, but he understands the reluctance of his northern neighbors. "The statistics are very clear. The number of COVID-19 deaths are seven times more, at least, than they are in Canada. Canadian officials are not going to compromise the health and safety of their population by allowing Americans over there," Higgins said. GOP U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs said he has heard from some officials that reopening could be pushed as late as 2021. A poll released last week by Canadian-based firm Research Co. found that nine of ten Canadians agreed with keeping the border closed to non-essential travel. The ban has been in place since late March. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.