Canada - US Border

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Peter & Judy

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A question often asked, is when will the border open again. Not anytime soon is the likely answer. With Covid cases still high on both sides of the border, there is no rush to open it soon. Covid cases in the US adjusted for population are 4 times higher in the US than in Canada and the death rate in the US is 3 times higher. But, where the US has us beat is in vaccinations. The US is still a couple of months ahead of Canada. The problem is that we are not producing our own Covid vaccine and we have to relay on supplies coming mostly from Europe, the US and India. The Europeans and especially the US is holding onto their supplies very tightly and don't want to share very much with other countries. Our health system is ramped up and ready to go, but supply is still the biggest holdup. The supplies are increasing rapidly now. Canada hopes to have the entire adult population vaccinated by the end of September. Judy and I are scheduled for our first shot later this week. So what does this mean if you want to vacation in Canada this summer. You are probably best to make other plans and hold off on coming north this year. Next ski season might be open, but I wouldn't put a deposit down on a trip just yet. I have no plans to travel outside of Canada this year, but hopefully a couple of weeks in Hawaii next winter might be possible.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canada-bo ... -1.5948695
 
Peter and Judy,

You are doing well as you will be able to get your shots before us. Because we are just under 65 years of age and being residents of Oregon, we are not eligible for our Covid vaccination until June 1st of this year.

We have come to accept that travel in Canada this year will probably not happen. Too bad. Your waters are wonderful to travel in. Maybe next year?

To everyone, stay healthy, stay positive and take things one day at a time concerning travel plans for the future!
 
It is great that both governments are being cautious about the pandemic, As time and understanding of the science and risks/benefits of shutdowns is better understood, it becomes more obvious that many more have suffered from the economic impacts than the physical and mental health impacts of Covid. Until the political entities of both our governments come to grips with reality, many good citizens of both country’s will work within the confines of regulations to travel as appropriate. Unfortunately many individuals and families dependent on the travel trade will suffer unnecessarily, as boaters transit Canada without supporting the economy.
 
I have several elderly relatives in Canada. We visited annually until last year. My uncle passed away and there was no funeral.

I will not express my opinion here, but I think it’s reasonable to conclude that endless lockdowns, shutdowns, and restrictions are not the only option.
 
You are doing well as you will be able to get your shots before us.
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I was lucky on the vaccine since under the normal timeline we probably would not get our vaccine until late April or May based on our age. But the Canadian Government got a shipment of 1 million doses of the Astra-Zeneca from India that had to be used by the expiry date of April 1 and only for people under 65. I was hesitant at first, as I live on a ranch and felt those high risk people should have the opportunity to get it first. Then yesterday the government put out an appeal to have more people get this vaccine as there were still doses available. So we called and yes they could fit us in in a town 230 kms north of us on Thursday. I had planned to ski in the Rockies on Thursday and the drive would be almost as far. So given that option and the thought that I might be able to hug my 89 year old mother at Easter (she got vaccinated a week ago) or wait until sometime in May. I decided to make the drive. I have to look at a potential new bison breeding bull about an hour from the vaccine site, so I'll get the jab and then check out a possible bull for the herd at the same time. Win, win in my books.

Shutting down the economy and keeping the borders closed is a hard decision to make. But, as case numbers have dropped and the death rate lowered, largely due to vaccinations of the long term care residents, the number of variant cases is rising steeply and bringing on a third wave in parts of Canada. Alberta currently has close to 1000 variant cases, many of these travel related. I had hoped to travel to Vancouver Island, as we often do in April, to get away from the long Alberta winters, paddle the kayak, peddle the bike and visit Judy's family. But, travel is discouraged, even interprovincial travel, so we decided that it was not the right thing to do and are staying home. We hope to travel out to the coast with Mistaya in June to cruise in the Broughtons, but that to is still somewhat up in the air. I think the next few months are critical in getting this pandemic under control and I am willing to do my part, stay close to home, minimize contact with others and get vaccinated. Then this to shall pass. My parents went through the second world war in Germany, my father fought on the Russian Front and they endured far more hardships than we have over the past year. Life could be worse and need to count our blessings.
 
I love data. I wonder what it says about mitigating the spread of COVID 19 when similar protocols are in place on both sides of the border? In other words, other than the obvious optics, is there even a real reason to keep it closed?
 
Great news for you and the extra 1M doses for everyone. It will be great when Canada starts vaccinating all seniors! I feel some guilt visiting my older father this weekend but fingers crossed he will get vaccinated by mid April.

I’ll be lobbying hard for the boarder opening up for the vaccinated but I think both countries will be cautious on that.

Protocols unfortunately aren’t stopping Italy from going back into lock down so it will be a while. Likely July at the earliest? Two weeks self isolating on a boat may be a pretty good protocol but I would sure want to stretch my legs if I was in a 16!
 
I got my Astra-Zeneca vaccine yesterday. This morning my arm is a little sore and I feel a little off, but I also feel grateful that I will be one step closer to ending this Covid crisis.

I had to drive to Camrose 230 kms north of my home as they had extra doses there. I arrived 5 minutes before my appointment, they checked my Alberta Health Care information, then ushered me into the room, where the nurse went over information about the vaccine and possible side effects, then to the waiting room for a 15 minute wait. 25 minute later I was on the road again. It was all very efficient.

When I was getting the vaccination, I asked the nurse if the Bill Gates Microchip was included in the shot and she insured me that it was. It's nice to have a free upgrade to my operating system.

On the drive home we stopped at another bison ranch and bought a new breeding bull, so all in all a good day.
 
Peter & Judy":3pgwtfyf said:
So we can figure out some tuna for bison trades when this is all over?
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I would be in to that, so long as there were a few fishing lessons included.
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Sounds like a deal. With business being slow for me fishing lessons are available! A good day on the water better then any day in the office.

Rumours of my wife getting vaccinated in BC soon, as she is a vice principle. I’ll check in with some tourism buddies to see how their talks with government are going for opening up the boarder.
 
Peter & Judy":2pmu6c2r said:
If anyone is wondering why Canada needs to still keep the border closed with the United States, here is one reason.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/22/us/miami ... index.html
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A fine example of why we are still not ahead of the curve, nationally. Doing our own thing keeps passing the bug, and each pass now is a chance for a new mutation, and further spread.

I would love to be going North this summer, but I sure get why Canada says no. Hopefully next year.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

7_SleepyC_at_Port_Harvey_001.thumb.jpg
 
Agreed.

The words "pandemic" and "travel" are mutually exclusive to those selfless
individuals who follow science and are part of the solution rather than part
of the problem.

Aye.
 
I respect Canadian officials keeping the border closed, especially when the US promotes the free flow of illegal immigrants on our southern border, many of which carry the COVID virus.
 
no doubt, my brother lives in Argentina and was talking about visiting, I suggested he join caravan and walk up. He wouldn't have to mess with covid protocols and could probably also get a bunch of free stuff.
I'd like to head up north of Edmonton and visit relatives. They don't have any buffalo just a bunch of registered Jersey cows......an odd career, my cousin's son travels all over the world grooming show cattle, he must be like the Vidal Sasoon of dairy cattle
 
I respect Canadian officials keeping the border closed, especially when the US promotes the free flow of illegal immigrants on our southern border, many of which carry the COVID virus.
Click to expand...

no doubt, my brother lives in Argentina and was talking about visiting, I suggested he join caravan and walk up. He wouldn't have to mess with covid protocols and could probably also get a bunch of free stuff.
Click to expand...

Well those win the stupid comments of the day award! :roll:
 
colbysmith":370fcwoe said:
I respect Canadian officials keeping the border closed, especially when the US promotes the free flow of illegal immigrants on our southern border, many of which carry the COVID virus.
Click to expand...

no doubt, my brother lives in Argentina and was talking about visiting, I suggested he join caravan and walk up. He wouldn't have to mess with covid protocols and could probably also get a bunch of free stuff.
Click to expand...

Well those win the stupid comments of the day award! :roll:
Click to expand...


The only thing in the United States that spreads faster than COVID 19 is stupidity.
 
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