Sask. pushing feds to reopen Canada-U.S. border as province prepares for summer travel
The provincial government is urging its federal counterparts to negotiate the reopening of the Canada-U.S. border ahead of the summer travel season.
The current non-essential travel restrictions with the U.S. have been in place since March, 2020 and are set to expire on June 21.
According to The White House, 52 per cent of Americans are fully vaccinated. The Saskatchewan government said those visitors should be allowed to cross into Canada.
“It’s a big part of what our tourism industry is based on, that we would have tourists from outside of Canada and we really, really want to see that happen,” said Trade and Tourism Minister Jeremy Harrison.
Tourism Saskatchewan echoed Harrison’s statement, saying the lack of cross-border travel is hurting Saskatchewan outfitters.
“Our core U.S. market are those clients of hunting and fishing outfitters, so with the border closed it’s a real challenge for people in the outfitting sector,” said Jonathan Potts, executive director of marketing and communications for Tourism Saskatchewan.
While some sectors are awaiting out-of-province travelers, others are gearing up for an increase in travel within the province. According to Tourism Saskatchewan, 82 per cent of Saskatchewan residents are willing to travel within the province this summer but most are not ready to cross borders just yet.
“We think that probably most of our visitors will be from Regina and of course, as long as the restrictions allow it, then other people from across Saskatchewan will absolutely be welcomed and we’re excited to have them back,” said Ryan Holota, vice president of operations at the Saskatchewan Science Centre.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada launched a campaign this week urging the federal government to negotiate the reopening of the Canada-U.S. border.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the eventual easing of travel restrictions and quarantine rules will apply to those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
He added that the government will continue to consult with provinces about what they believe to be the most appropriate steps to easing restrictions.
With files from CTVNews.ca’s Sarah Turnbull
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.