By: Thomas I. Likness
EBC News Service

(Eagle News) — There’s still no deal to reopen the Canada-US border to non-essential traffic.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President discussed the issue when they met at the G7 Leaders Summit this weekend in the United Kingdom.

“Obviously with the longest undefended border in the world between our two countries, it is extremely important to get back to normalcy as quickly as possible,” Trudeau said Sunday.

In past Trudeau has said he would like to see at least 75% of Canadians vaccinated before putting out the welcome mat for recreational travelers.

“Many countries like Canada continue to say now is not the time to travel except for essential purposes,” he said. “We need to ensure that people are getting vaccinated, getting their first dose, getting their second dose and that is our priority.”

Without being specific, he acknowledged he and Biden view the border reopening differently.

“We will continue to work closely to get together on moving forward in the right way but each of us always will put at the forefront the interests and safety of our own citizens,” said Trudeau.

On the issue of vaccine passports, Trudeau says it is a work in progress.

He says whatever Canada puts in place should align with its allies around the world, adding tghey are continuing to work on that.

“The best approach will be one that respects people’s privacy, that demonstrates an ability to travel to places all around the world in different systems and that is reliable and easy,” said Trudeau.
(Eagle News Service)