Gates Agrees with Border Closure Extension

Friday, 17 July 2020 06:00

By Marcie Culbert

Wayne Gates thinks the border should remain closed to non-essential traffic for now.

The Niagara Falls MPP says we miss our American neighbours but we need to keep the border closed to protect our local communities.

"I certainly believe along with others that we cannot risk of the health of our community by opening the border too soon."

Gates says we can't put all of the progress that we've made in jeopardy, adding we currently have no COVID-19 hospitalizations in the Region.

But the border restrictions have had a negative impact on Niagara's tourism sector.

Gates is planning to introduce a bill in Queens Park next week which would promote more staycations in Ontario.

It would provide a domestic tourism credit which could be put towards hotels, attractions and meals.

Gates says this would help offset the lack of Americans vacationing in Ontario.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed that the restrictions at the Canada-U.S. border will remain in effect until August 21st.

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