Niagara Falls MP says mandatory pre-departure testing requirements deter travelers from visiting Canada.
Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli is urging the Trudeau government to drop pandemic restrictions and mandates in an effort to save the upcoming tourism season.
He addressed the House of Commons earlier today, saying Niagara's tourism has suffered greatly due to restrictions.
"Before the pandemic, the sector employed 40,000 local workers, and generated $2.4 Billion in tourism receipts alone. COVID-19 and federal restrictions have had a devastating impact on tourism in Niagara."
Baldinelli went on to say that pre-departure testing requirements are deterring people from visiting Canada, with experts from the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable agreeing such testing requirements are not necessary.
"The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable, and border area mayors, and the federal government’s own expert advisory have indicated that pre-departure testing requirements are not needed."
This comes after mayors from 15 border communities penned a letter to the Prime Minister earlier this week, asking the Trudeau government to drop all testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers at the Canada-U.S. land border.
Fully immunized travelers looking to cross the border can show proof of an antigen test taken at a lab one day before a scheduled flight or arrival at a land border crossing.
As well, anyone entering Canada needs to upload their proof of vaccination and test result on the ArriveCAN app before entering the country.
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