By Canadian Press

Trudeau says health trumps economic concerns as travel restrictions remain

Jun 22, 2020 | 10:16 AM

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says public health takes precedence over airline and tourism industry concerns around ongoing travel restrictions.

Trudeau says he understands the mounting frustration among carriers and tourism operators, but that “reopening too quickly or carelessly would lead to a resurgence” of the COVID-19 pandemic that could prompt a second round of lockdowns and snarl the economy further.

Last week, the prime minister extended a ban on non-essential travel between Canada and the U.S. until at least July 21.

Days later, chief executives from 27 companies spanning multiple industries called for a “measured” reopening of the skies for the good of the economy that would see travel resume across all provinces and between select countries.

Manitoba and the Maritime provinces continue to restrict interprovincial travel, while travellers arriving in Canada from abroad must self-isolate for two weeks.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 22, 2020.

The Canadian Press