The North Country Chamber of Commerce says that it is dumbfounded by today's announcement that the U.S. is fully extending existing restrictions on Canadians crossing the land border for another thirty days, until August 21.
"It's like a broken record, every thirty days," says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. "Not long ago, we were hoping that some interim progress by the U.S. might encourage reciprocal steps by Canada. Now, if there were a U.S.-Canadian Olympics with an event called border, Canada would be racing toward the gold while the U.S. can't get itself off the starting block."
"We were hoping that the delay until the last minute meant there would be something other than another month's extension. That there would be reference to some consideration of further steps at a sooner point, like August 9 to match the Canadian timetable," notes Douglas. "This is deeply disappointing, not only because it leaves no opportunity to save part of the summer season for Canadian travel here, though by the way they can continue to fly here but just can't drive their car, but because it stalls the access by Canadians to family, property, businesses and airports while Canada is opening the way for such needed access the other way."
Douglas thanked many leaders for their continuing advocacy, including Senator Schumer, Northern Border Caucus Co-Chairs Stefanik and Higgins, Assemblyman Billy Jones, Senator Leahy and Governor Scott in Vermont and many others.
"While deeply discouraging," adds Douglas, "we will remain active and aggressive in hopes of achieving progress sooner than the new date of August 21."
