Border reopening, economic revival depends on vaccination rate, Sheehan says

Sault MP Terry Sheehan told a virtual Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce members audience Friday that while he understands the concerns of the Sault and area tourism sector, hard-hit by COVID-19 travel restrictions, the reopening of all sectors of the economy depends largely on vaccination rates.

Sheehan said the federal government, in its most recent budget, has provided $1 billion in funding for the Canadian tourism industry, for COVID relief and to prepare for when the border and economy fully reopen. 

“As the borders open we’ll be ready and welcoming international visitors when the time is right, when health experts tell us...we have a lot of programs (to assist the tourism industry market itself when the border and economy open up).” 

Sheehan was asked by the Chamber to clear up some confusion as to whether Canadians may cross the Canada-U.S. border to be vaccinated.

Earlier this week, Canada said it considered driving to the U.S. in a private vehicle for a COVID-19 vaccination, with a referral from a licensed health-care provider, to be an essential medical service. 

However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it does not consider a vaccine essential for entry purposes and that Canadians attempting to drive across the American border solely for a COVID-19 vaccination, even with a doctor's referral, would be denied entry.

“This is being worked on,” Sheehan said, addressing the Chamber audience.

“What I know officials are working on, on both sides, is that the United States said no, specifically going over for a vaccine is not allowed. So that’s where we’re at right now. It’s still in motion, it’s still being worked on is the best way I can say.”

The Canada-U.S. border has been closed to non-essential travel since March 2020.

The federal government has announced the border will be closed until at least June 21.

“We know full well that the transmission of COVID in Canada and Ontario is driven by community spread...so when it comes to the border we’ve done a good job,” Sheehan said.

The MP’s virtual fireside chat with Chamber members seemed to show the reopening of the border and the economy depends on vaccination rates.

“As of today (Friday), Canada has delivered 23 million doses to the provinces and territories. 19.8 million have been administered to Canadians. Specifically in Ontario, it’s getting close to 9 million doses...that’s absolutely critical that we’ve done that,” Sheehan said, stating Canada has “the most diversified portfolio of vaccines in the world.”

“We’re on track to receive well over 40 million doses by the end of June, and over 100 million by September...every Canadian that wants a vaccine will have enough doses, to have fully vaccinated Canadians by the end of September.”

“Canada and the United States are now equal as a percentage of their citizens receiving the first dose...I encourage everyone in the world to continue to get vaccinated because this is a global pandemic. We need everyone to get vaccines so we can get back to normal,” Sheehan said.

Sheehan said the federal government has helped many local business owners and employees with COVID relief, much of that relief extended to September in what he called a ‘Team Canada’ approach to dealing with COVID and hoping for a post-COVID, vaccinated community.