SCHUMER STATEMENT ON CANADA’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON REOPENING THE NORTHERN BORDER TO FULLY VACCINATED U.S. CITIZENS ON AUGUST 9TH

After months of pushing for a binational plan to reopen the U.S.-Canadian border – including two calls to DHS Secretary Mayorkas, a direct call to Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, a call to Secretary of State Blinken, and personal visits to the Rainbow Bridge, Massena, Plattsburgh, and Sackets Harbor – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer released the following statement:

Senator Schumer said, “Canada’s policy change is long overdue and has the potential to be terrific news for thousands who have loved ones, property, or commercial interests across the border. However, as I just stressed directly to Ambassador Hillman, the US and Canadian governments must work in lock-step over the next few weeks to ensure the safest and most-efficient procedures are followed and not unduly burdensome for any and all vaccinated individuals wishing to cross the border in either direction. The United States must now immediately follow suit, make our policy uniform, and further energize NY’s recovery.”

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