Canada and the United States have reached an agreement to extend the mutual ban on non-essential cross-border travel until June 21st, announced Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday.
The border closure has been extended by an additional 30 days, as the original date of expiry was set for this Thursday, May 21st.
“This is an important decision that will keep people in both of our countries safe,” said Trudeau during his daily address.
The extension means travelers will continue to no longer be allowed to cross the border for recreational or tourist purposes.
Despite this, essential border crossings and trade movements will not be impeded by these measures.
As it stands, the closure agreement exempts the flow of trade and commerce, as well as vital health care workers such as nurses who live and work on opposite sides of the border.
The initial border closure was announced in March, as a collaborative effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Prime Minister also announced on Tuesday that the federal government will be expanding the current Canada Emergency Business Account eligibility.
The business benefit will now include family-owned businesses that pay employees through dividends, sole owner/operators of a business, and businesses that rely on contractors.
With files from Brishti Basu.
