Hochul, Jacobs pleased with border reopening to Canadians next month

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Congressman Chris Jacobs both issued statements today following the announcement the border would be reopened to fully vaccinated Canadians in November.

Hochul issued this statement: “I applaud our federal partners for reopening our borders to Canada, something I have called for since the beginning of the closure. Canada is not only our trade partner, but more importantly, Canadians are our neighbors and our friends. From Western New York to the North Country, I look forward to welcoming our Canadian neighbors back to New York as we continue to rebuild and recover from this pandemic.”

Jacobs has pushed the American and Canadian governments to reopen the U.S.-Canada border. He introduced the bipartisan Northern Border Reopening Transparency Act (H.R. 3770) in June. That legislation would have forced the Biden administration to provide answers and a plan for reopening the Canadian border, which up until this announcement they have not provided, Jacobs said.

The local congressman issued this statement: “Reopening the U.S. side of the northern border is long overdue. This action is the product of nonstop advocacy from numerous groups, including countless dedicated citizens, family members, and organizations in our area.

“After months of silence from the Biden administration, I am excited to soon welcome our Canadian friends and family back to Western New York, just in time for the holiday season. Separated families will be able to reunite, and small businesses will be able to welcome Canadian shoppers and finish the year strong.”