Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Congressman Brian Higgins had strong words for the latest Canadian-US border closure extension, calling it "bulls***."
The Canadian government announced the border would remain closed until July 21st.
Higgins and his colleagues on the Canada-US Interparliamentary Group issued this statement: “Millions of Americans and Canadians are counting on our governments to work together to reach an agreement that provides a clear roadmap for reopening the border between our two nations. The lack of transparency surrounding these negotiations is a disservice to our constituents and the millions of residents on both sides of the border waiting to see their loved ones, visit their property, and renew business ties. While the arrival of vaccines in record time has been a modern marvel, the inability of the U.S. and Canadian governments to reach an agreement on alleviating border restrictions or aligning additional essential traveler classes is simply unacceptable.”
Higgins doubled down on his tweet when speaking with reporters Friday. "Two weeks ago, an exception was granted to the National Hockey League. Not based on science, not based on facts, but based on the Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule. That is bulls*** and it should not be tolerated by these people who have been separated from the families, their property and from transacting business," fumes Higgins.
Higgins says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying the border will remain closed is not enough. "There needs to be a vision articulated for when that border will be open," says Higgins. "This has been 15 months of people being separated from their loved ones, it's highly unfair and disrespectful to both US and Canadian citizens."
Trudeau says he's still seeing cases of COVID in Canada. "We still have to hit our targets of 75 percent first dose and 20 percent second dose before we can begin to think about loosening restrictions," says Trudeau. "Even a fully vaccinated individual can pass on COVID19 to someone not vaccinated, and that means we have to make sure not only vaccinated people can travel but communities to which people return are not at risk."
Higgins is calling on the Biden administration to take unilateral action, without the Canadian government's involvement, to allow US citizens to visit loved ones in Canada.