By Canadian Press

Helping Canada reach vaccine ‘parity’ critical to reopening border: U.S. congressman

Mar 18, 2021 | 11:18 AM

WASHINGTON — A member of Congress says it’s vital for the U.S. to help Canada reach vaccine ‘parity’ in order to get their shared border back open. 

New York Rep. Brian Higgins is cheering news of a White House plan to lend Canada 1.5 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. 

Higgins has been on a crusade in recent weeks to convince President Joe Biden to come up with a plan to reopen the Canada-U.S. border. 

He is also among several members of Congress consulted by the Wilson Center in a study of the economic impact of the border closure.

Members of that task force are expected to issue some of their preliminary findings later today. 

young volunteers

'Make a big difference:' Nanaimo volunteers collecting warm clothing for those in need

1h ago

strong storm

Wind warning issued as Pacific storm approaches Island

2h ago

stepping in

Federal minister asks labour board to intervene in Canada Post strike

4h ago

Higgins wants the two countries to expand what they consider to be “essential travel” and to develop a system that would allow people who have been vaccinated to cross the border. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2021. 

The Canadian Press