Blue Water Bridge from Point Edward. (Photo by Ontario's Blue Coast)Blue Water Bridge from Point Edward. (Photo by Ontario's Blue Coast)
Sarnia

Mayors urge Ottawa to keep border with U.S. closed

Border city mayors including Sarnia's Mike Bradley would like to see the Canada-U.S. border remain closed to non-essential traffic through the summer at least.

The group has sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland through the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Mayor Bradley told Sue Storr on CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) Tuesday morning that the group wants a meeting with the deputy prime minister.

"We're asking for that meeting and we want it very soon because the deadline is coming up on the 21st on extending it," said Bradley. "I would be very surprised if the federal government didn't extend it, but the question is for how long? We're getting a lot of input here and the border mayors are getting it, that they think it should be closed for the entire summer at least."

Border crossings have been limited to essential workers and trade since March 21 to try to limit the spread of COVID-19 between the two countries.

A month ago, immediate family members from the U.S. were allowed to enter Canada with several stipulations, including self-isolating for the first 14 days of their stay.

-With files from Sue Storr

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