Sarnia's mayor thinks the Canadian government is dragging its heels when it comes to lifting its requirement for all travellers to provide COVID-19 test results to enter the country at land borders.
Starting November 8, fully vaccinated Canadians can enter the United States for nonessential reasons, and while no test is required to travel stateside, individuals must provide a negative molecular test result to re enter Canada.
Mike Bradley is reiterating that the requirement makes no sense.
"While there was elation about the border opening by the Americans for vaccinated Canadians to go there, this testing has become an emerging issue and a big issue in border cities," said Bradley.
"If people are double vaccinated, why do you need to do this, and then you look at the fact that it could cost each individual $200. So, there is some suspicion that the Canadian government does not want anyone travelling outside of Canada and this is the way they're trying to do it through financial hardship."
Bradley said he told Michigan residents, during an interview with a Port Huron radio station this week, not to expect an influx of Canadian tourists right away.
"It's ironic that they put these fees up because two of the busiest travel days to the United States for Canadians in the past have been on American Thanksgiving and then Black Friday."
Bradley said he was pleased the United States clarified that Canadians with mixed doses of COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed entry.
But, said equality on testing is still needed and he's asking city council to support his request to have Ottawa remove the requirement.
If approved, staff will send a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other officials.
Canada reopened its border to American travellers on August 9.