Canada-U.S. border closed another month, experts meet to discuss re-opening

Shelby Thevenot
Published: March 19, 2021

Leading border experts met to discuss how to re-open the Canada-U.S. border, as Canada announces travel restrictions will roll over until April 21.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement on Twitter, saying non-essential travel between Canada and the U.S. will continue for another 30 days.


Trudeau, had previously told reporters cross-border travel will resume "eventually but not for today."

Meanwhile, experts discussed issues around the border closure with the Wilson Task Force, a non-partisan group charged with studying how to re-open the Canada-U.S. border. Task Force members include former politicians, Jean Charest and Anne McLellan from Canada, as well as Christine Gregoire and James Douglas from the U.S.

Panelists presented their initial findings of how travel restrictions have affected border communities over the past year. The meeting was broadcast on the Wilson Center's webpage on March 18.

Get help with Canadian work permits

Experts call for scientific approach supported by public opinion

The consensus among panelists was that the border's re-opening had to be guided by science-based evidence driven by data. However, there are not many groups that focus specifically on collecting this required data.

"Very few [organizations] focus on the border and that’s a problem," Kathryn Friedman from the University at Buffalo said. "Without the research, data, and great minds, border policy will be ad hoc and reactive."

Experts also cautioned that this would not be the last time the Canada-U.S. border would have to close in some capacity. They floated the idea of establishing a bilateral commission that would involve the private sector and meet regularly to focus on border issues.

"Just like we had a 9/11 commission we should have a Canada-U.S. commission that could go on both sides of the border and see what can we do together to achieve the greatness of our people," said Matt Morrison, CEO of Pacific NorthWest Economic Region.

The other challenge would be finding a border re-opening solution that would be accepted by public opinion. A recent Angus Reid Institute poll suggests most Canadians want the border to stay closed to non-essential travel. Furthermore, new policies will have to address privacy concerns if border officials start asking travellers for more personal data. Bill Anderson from the University of Windsor recommended that broad public relations efforts should be implemented to clarify border-crossing requirements, and manage fear.

The Task Force is expected to release their findings and recommendations in April, a spokesperson from the Wilson Center told CIC News.

Get help with Canadian work permits

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
How does Canada compare to other top immigrant destinations?
A Canadian flag waving in the wind on a bright day.
Saskatchewan introduces two new PNP pathways for skilled newcomers
Bridge over river in Saskatoon
Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba invite candidates to apply for provincial nomination
Fraser River in British Columbia
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program now closed
A lovely picture of a wheat field and silo as the sun sets in the background.
Top Stories
Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan issue provincial nominations
IRCC introduces new LMIA-exempt work permit for select tech companies in Canada
Maintained status: What do I need to know?
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Work
IRCC introduces new LMIA-exempt work permit for select tech companies in Canada
A woman in a suit starts at a tablet while standing next to a window
Maintained status: What do I need to know?
Picture of a man smiling and holding a tablet
Visitors no longer allowed to apply for work permits from within Canada
A Canadian work permit
Canada to stop processing Low-Wage LMIAs for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in some cities
A group of construction workers conversing throughout a work site.
Link copied to clipboard