Tester Statement on Canadian Border Reopening to Vaccinated Americans on August 9

Senator: “Trade and travel across the U.S . -Canadian border is critical for Montana families and for our economy, and this important milestone puts us one step closer to our economy returning to normal.”

Canada is set to open its border to fully-vaccinated U.S. travelers for nonessential travel starting August 9. U.S. Senator Jon Tester, who has been pushing the Canadian government to open the border as quickly and safely as possible because of the enormous impact on Montana’s economy, released the following statement:

“Trade and travel across the U.S. – Canadian border is critical for Montana families and for our economy, and this important milestone puts us one step closer to our economy returning to normal. I’ve pushed both the Biden Administration and Canadian officials to find a way to reinstate nonessential crossings as quickly and safely as possible, and I look forward to the boost Montana’s economy will receive once travel resumes on both sides of the border.”

Trade with Canada represents a major portion of Montana’s economy. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, Montana exported $692 million in goods to Canada in 2018, representing 42 percent of the state’s total goods exports.

Tester began calling for the border to re-open to fully vaccinated travelers in May, writing in a letter to the Biden Administration that “each day that passes without resolution is a hit to family farmers and ranchers, small businesses, and the rural communities along the border,” and urging them to work with their Canadian counterparts to quickly and safely open the border.

Tester also pressed the Biden Administration to ensure that any plans include maintaining 24-hour operation at ports of entry and take in to account the unique needs of rural states like Montana.