Leadership in northwestern Ontario is fighting to change COVID-19 travel restrictions ahead of the summer season.
In the House of Commons earlier this week, Kenora MP Eric Melillo warned that current travel restrictions for American visitors will severely limit northwestern Ontario’s tourism sector again this summer, unless rules are updated.
“Tourism is vital to the economy in northwestern Ontario, with the vast majority of visitors being Americans who cross at the land border. Unfortunately, the government’s current COVID-19 testing requirements mean many of our regular visitors are once again going to choose to stay home this season.”
“When is this government going to do the right thing and put an end to the arbitrary and unscientific testing requirements for vaccinated travellers at our land border crossings?” asked Melillo.
Melillo’s referencing the federal government’s recently updated requirements for international travellers, that in his opinion, didn’t change enough to support tourism-based businesses like resorts and restaurants in the region.
While vaccinated travellers entering Canada no longer have to take a pre-arrival PCR test and can opt for a rapid antigen test ahead of their arrival, the test must be administered by a lab or a pharmacy and not by yourself at home.
Those who do not have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine may still be subject to mandatory PCR testing, and fully vaccinated travellers may still be randomly selected for a PCR test when they arrive.
As well, all travellers are still required to use the ArriveCAN app or website 72 hours before entering Canada, which allows residents to upload their proof of vaccination and COVID-19 test results. If you don’t, you may be denied entry.
All travellers must confirm they’ve arrived at a government-authorized hotel or the address they provided for their place of quarantine or isolation within 48 hours of entering Canada, and you must complete a daily COVID-19 symptoms self-assessment during your 14-day quarantine period.
In response, Quebec MP and Federal Minister of Health, Jean Yves Duclos, says Ottawa is hoping to work in collaboration with tourism-based businesses to ensure they receive the support they need in 2022.
“I care very much about the industry of tourism. That’s why we’re working to protect both the health and safety of workers and travellers, but also to make sure that our tourism industry can thrive."
The federal government eased international travel restrictions on February 28. Other changes include allowing all Canadian airports to allow overseas flights and scrapping mandatory isolation requirements for unvaccinated children under 12, but Canada continues to advise against all cruise ship travel.
We know how hard it’s been for workers and small businesses, that’s why we look forward to further investing and further supporting our tourism industries,” adds Minister Duclos.
Residents are asked not to travel if they have any symptoms of COVID-19, are in isolation, are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test or have been in close contact with a suspected or confirmed case.
Ottawa says if you start to feel COVID-19 symptoms after travelling, self-isolate for 10 days and follow local public health advice regarding seeking care or medical treatment.