Epp calls on Trudeau to ease restrictions at border

Editor’s note: Chatham-Kent-Leamington MP David Epp has written the following letter to the community.

LEAMINGTON — Now that we’ve had time to learn more about COVID-19 and are witnessing accumulated evidence of the emotional toll it takes on cross-border families, my colleagues and I are calling on the Trudeau government to take a compassionate approach to resolve situations where families remain separated during the pandemic.

Our thoughts are with all families and committed couples that have been separated during this pandemic. Since early June, my Conservative colleagues and I have been highlighting cases of Canadians who were unfairly excluded from the Liberals’ immediate family criteria to reunite in Canada.

My colleagues and I are calling on the Trudeau government to take a compassionate approach to resolve situations where families remain separated, while ensuring the health and safety of Canadians. No one should have to guess whether they will be allowed across the border to be with family. The government must be clear about who can travel across the border, and in what circumstances.

Conservatives continue to support limiting travel between Canada and the US until the COVID-19 outbreak is under control in both countries. But there is a basic issue of fairness, where Liberal Ministers give themselves the power to provide compassionate exemptions for individuals entering from countries other than the United States, or well connected, elite billionaires can secure exemptions to visit Canada, but Canadians separated from family and partners in the US, do not have the same access. That’s just wrong. The Trudeau government must put forward a responsible plan that clarifies the criteria, fixes this inconsistency, and protects all Canadians.

I continue to support my colleague, Marilyn Gladu, MP for Sarnia-Lambton, who sponsored e-petition 2657 that called for committed, non-married partners (such as fiancés and long-term relationships) who are not captured in any defini- tion of immediate family to be allowed to use the same immediate family exemptions as other Canadians.

Here in our riding of Chatham-Kent--Leamington we have an above average level of personal and business cross-border relationships given our proximity to the busiest international crossing in North America.

Conservatives call on the Trudeau government to bring forward a clear, fair and compassionate plan that allows Canadians to be reunited with their loved ones.