Trump Confirms Canada, U.S. to Close Border to Non-Essential Travel
Janice Dickson and Marieke Walsh, Globe and Masil, March 18, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada and the U.S. have agreed to temporarily restrict all non-essential travel across the border.
Mr. Trudeau said travellers will no longer be permitted to cross the border for “recreation and tourism,” saying that in both countries, citizens are encouraged to stay home.
Mr. Trudeau said that essential travel will continue and the government recognizes that it is critical to maintain supply chains between both countries.
“These supply chains ensure that food, fuel, and life-saving medicines reach people on both sides of the border,” he said. “Supply chains including trucking will not be effected by this new measure. Canadians and Americans cross the border every day to do essential work or for other urgent reasons, that will not be impacted.”
U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted earlier Wednesday morning that Canada and the United States will be closing the border to non-essential traffic.
“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!” Mr. Trump tweeted.