Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called on Justin Trudeau to tighten up Canada’s borders, saying he would support any move to do so from the federal government.
In a press conference given at 11:00 AM today, Ford told Ontarians that “We need the federal government to tighten up the border.”
“We are taking every step possible to slow the spread of this virus and we need our partners to do the same,” added the premier, referring to Trudeau’s government.
“I’m very concerned about reports we have been hearing at the border … We need to ensure that proper screening and protocol are being enforced, and be prepared to take even greater steps to protect the health and safety of all Canadians.”
“We need the federal government to tighten up the border,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “We are taking every step possible to slow the spread of this virus and we need our partners to do the same.” #cdnpoli #onpoli pic.twitter.com/MOYnQEez7X
— Power & Politics (@PnPCBC) March 16, 2020
Over recent days, alarming reports have revealed that proper screening and information has not been given to travelers coming into Canada from abroad. This reached a fever pitch yesterday when some provincial governments moved their own officials to airports in fear that federal officials were not doing their job properly, in Quebec and BC.
Alberta, Quebec and Nova Scotia are now all sending provincial officials to airports out of concern that CBSA agents are not telling people about the 14-day isolation period. Pretty massive abdication of federal responsibility. Other provinces should quickly follow suit https://t.co/29Nsgn3kqf
— Robyn Urback (@RobynUrback) March 16, 2020
Justin Trudeau has been surprisingly nonchalant over the spreading of coronavirus via foreign travel into Canada. This is in stark contrast to the United States, which banned all travel from Europe and China. Trudeau has declared minimal flight restrictions so far.
At time of writing, Canada now has 324 confirmed cases of coronavirus, 145 of which are in Ford’s Ontario. Quebec has recorded 39 cases; British Columbia has recorded 73 cases, and Alberta has recorded 56.
