US – Canada border highway direction sign

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a firm plan for the border to reopen. The Canada-U.S. border could possibly be open to fully vaccinated Americans in the near future.

The prime minister revealed that “we might begin allowing” fully-vaccinated U.S. citizens and residents to enter Canada for non-emergency reasons by mid-August. Trudeau announced these details in a press release on Thursday night along with the premiers. Trudeau said Canada will take a “cautious and responsible” approach to reopening the border.

I spoke with @DLeBlancNB and the premiers this evening. We focused on COVID-19 and how we can keep people safe as we adjust border measures. We also touched on other topics – including reconciliation, child care, and wildfires. More on our 33rd call: https://t.co/NYDpZ27nqR
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 16, 2021

Early next week more information regarding the plans to drop restrictions however the land border will remain closed until July 21.

The Canadian premiers and first ministers have expressed support for the opportunity to travel between the two countries other than for essential business. Plenty of Americans will be excited about it, considering the constant calls for the border to be opened up.

Vaccine Passports In Ontario

As the number of vaccinated individuals increases the government is in the process of developing a vaccine passport. This passport would allow Canadians to signal to other countries that their vaccine-based identification.

However, there has been controversy over vaccine passports.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford made it very clear in a press conference on Thursday that “no, we’re not gonna do it. We’re not gonna have a split society,” in response to a question about creating vaccine passports.

There have been calls for local “vaccine passports” that could be in the form of digital apps which prove vaccination at businesses and events. The province has decided not to create some kind of digital proof of vaccination. “We aren’t doing it. It’s as simple as that. We’re just gonna move forward,” Ford said.

FEATURE IMAGE: eyfoto, iStock Photos

Shadai Scoburgh

Shadai is a creative Toronto-based lifestyle journalist ready to absorb all things culture as a passionate storyteller. She is skilled in creative writing and creative development when not writing she enjoys fashion and french fries.