While the federal government says talks to extend the border closure with the United States past July 21 are ongoing, B.C.’s Premier doesn’t want the border to reopen any time soon.

“This is not just about the United States, its about international travellers, and it is not just because Canada has said we don’t want to see our borders open until we see other countries in the world having the same level of success that we have,” said John Horgan.

“This is a global pandemic, and I think that we need to remind ourselves of that periodically that we are not an island here in British Columbia.”

Speaking last Thursday, Horgan says it is important to figure out how to live with the virus for the foreseeable future.

“And one way we cope with that is by reducing the spread of the virus, and that means not inviting jurisdictions that have not had the same level of success as we have to just come and have a visit,” he noted.

“I don’t think the dollars that would be invested in the tourist economy are worth the risk to public health, and the vast majority of British Columbians agree with me on that.”

Horgan says he understands that cross border trade is critical for both countries, noting its something has continued to happen over the last four months.

“We also need to also understand that there is other work that involves people coming into Canada, whether they be consultants or front of camera talent in the film industry,” he noted.

“We’re going to need to make sure that once the self isolation period has expired, those individuals, in my opinion, are free to engage in other activities as all other British Columbians are, mindful that physical distancing is critically important.”

The Canada-US border has been closed to non-essential travel between the two countries since the middle of March. There have however been some concerns about the ‘Alaska Loophole‘ – where Americans at the border say they’re going to Alaska but end up vacationing in British Columbia.

Asked about the border, Horgan says most people agree its not worth it to open up the border with the US, given the situation there. Current federal deadline is July 21st.

— Victor Mario Kaisar (@supermario_47) July 9, 2020