The Minnesota House Rep. for International Falls says he understands fears on the Canadian side about reopening the border.
Rob Ecklund is one of several Minnesota politicians asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden for a reopening strategy.
Speaking during a virtual town hall meeting, he says many Americans are wondering about their properties in Canada.
“I have a lot of constituents that own property, own resorts, own businesses in Canada, and they haven’t been able to see or find out what kind of condition their properties are in, or even if it’s still standing,” says Ecklund.
Ecklund admits any reopening still has to be done safely.
“I certainly don’t want Canadians opening that the border before they’re ready or before they’re comfortable because I’d certainly be worried about an influx of people that may be carrying this pandemic,” says Ecklund.
Ecklund does support the US government providing whatever assistance to Canada if it helps reopen the border.
“If the United States needs to help Canada get the delivery, the vaccine delivery so it can get to all their folks to help. That’s what we need to do,” says Ecklund.
The travel restrictions that went into place last March have since been extended, with the latest deadline moved to April 21.
