Maple News reports that Canada’s key business and tourism stakeholders are urging the federal government to swiftly release a detailed border reopening strategy, citing growing frustration over the lack of clarity even as other major economies move forward.
On June 14, the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable called on Ottawa to provide an immediate and science-based plan for resuming international travel—particularly for fully vaccinated foreign visitors. As it stands, travel restrictions, first implemented in March 2020, remain in place and are set to expire on June 21. However, no comprehensive roadmap has been presented outlining a sustainable path forward.
Canada’s cautious stance on border reopening was highlighted during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent participation in the G7 Summit. While leaders of other G7 nations reached a consensus on mutual recognition of vaccination status and consistent travel standards, Canada emerged as the only member without a clearly defined reopening policy.
Business leaders argue that this lag could have serious economic consequences. “Canada cannot afford to be left behind as other countries reopen,” said Susie Grynol, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada. “Without a plan, our vibrant tourism industry and thousands of jobs are at risk. Fully vaccinated travellers, regardless of nationality, should be allowed to enter Canada under common-sense, science-based rules.”
The Roundtable is calling for a nationally unified travel policy that clarifies how vaccination credentials will be evaluated, addresses entry rules for unvaccinated minors, and outlines steps to reestablish international travel links. The absence of a standardized framework leaves both travellers and travel-dependent industries in limbo.
Notably, Canada leads the world in first-dose COVID-19 vaccination coverage, with about 70% of people aged 12 and older having received at least one dose as of early June. Despite this, federal health policy remains conservative, prompting critics to point out that “there is no science-based reason to delay acting on recommendations from the government’s own Expert Panel.”
Earlier this month, Ottawa’s COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel recommended phasing out certain restrictions, including the controversial mandatory hotel quarantine. In response, the government announced plans to remove hotel quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents by early July. However, business advocates say more comprehensive measures are required to rejuvenate the economy and support recovery across sectors.
As the pressure mounts, Canadian policymakers face a critical question: how to balance public health priorities with economic and international mobility—especially when the rest of the world is reopening and moving ahead.