VICTORIA — British Columbia’s premier says reopening the border to non-essential travellers from the United States in August would be a “massive undertaking” for the province but one it is ready for.
John Horgan told a news conference Friday that he is confident British Columbians will remain safe if the border reopens because of the levels of vaccination in the province.
He says the federal and provincial governments are following the advice of top health officials as they navigate the dates around reopening the borders.
“We have significant concerns about being ready, I’ve expressed that to the prime minister, and I have every confidence he’s going to meet those objectives,” said Horgan.
Despite that, Horgan said he felt the August date “met our needs” as opposed to opening the border sooner.
“There was at least one province that felt that urgency was a better course of action and I disagree with that, the majority certainly disagree with that,” he said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the premiers Thursday that as long as vaccination rates hold, eligible U.S. travellers could be allowed back in about a month’s time.
He also said the government hopes fully vaccinated travellers from around the world could come to Canada by early September.
Horgan says that the government would shift if the number of COVID-19 cases increases or there are further changes with the virus.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2021.
Originally Appeared On: https://www.cheknews.ca/b-c-premier-says-province-ready-to-reopen-border-838370/