Fully Vaccinated Americans Could Come by August; Others by September, Trudeau Says

Fully Vaccinated Americans Could Come by August; Others by September, Trudeau Says

July 15, 2021 Jim Byers

Canada could allow fully vaccinated Americans to visit Canada by mid-August, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday night.

A summary readout of Trudeau’s regular chat with Canadian provincial premiers that was published on the PM’s website late Thursday says the changes could be announced Monday and implemented at a later date.

“The Prime Minister noted that, if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September. He noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel,” the readout said.

The published summary says premiers “expressed their support of reopening plans, and agreed on the importance of ensuring clarity and predictability as initial steps are taken. The Prime Minister indicated that ministers would share more details on these plans early next week. Finally, First Ministers discussed the importance of working collaboratively on a proof of vaccination credential, and prioritizing work to implement a system that would enable Canadians to travel internationally with confidence.”

It would be too late in the summer for many tourism businesses, but an August border opening to fully vaccinated Americans would allow at least some U.S. cash to flow into Canadian tourism coffers. It also would do wonders for families with brothers or sisters or parents or children on the other side of the border.

The announced news from the PM’s office coincides with a comment from U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday that said the States could soon welcome international travellers previously barred from entry. Biden met with German chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday and said an announcement on opening the U.S. to international visitors could come in the next few days, which makes it sound like there’s been some communication between Ottawa and Washington DC.

The government pretty much has to say something by Monday, as the current border closure agreement between Canada and the U.S. expires next Wednesday, July 21. Ottawa has traditionally issued updates on the situation two or three days prior to the end of a closure agreement, so Monday would be a logical date.

Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria in British Columbia, said it’s already deep in the summer tourism season, but “that there is a possibility of some incremental business this summer, which would be helpful.”

“We value our American guests and can’t wait to welcome them back.”

A new poll conducted by Angus Reid finds that 69% of Canadians would like to see three-quarters of Canadians have two vaccine doses before welcoming Americans for non-essential travel. (The poll apparently didn’t ask Canadians what their position was on fully-vaccinated Americans coming for a visit.)

Of those, 38% said they want MORE than 75% of Canadians double vaxxed before opening the border.

Twenty two per cent of respondents said the government is acting too slowly and that they want the border open now.

Tourism and travel officials in Canada have been pushing to allow fully vaccinated travellers into the country as soon as possible.