Canada looking ‘quite carefully’ at PCR testing rules as U.S. land border reopens
Global News
Travellers trying to enter Canada from the reopened U.S. land border crossing must show a negative PCR test, taken within the last 72 hours, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
The United States reopened its land border to Canadians who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on Monday, but travellers will still have to show a negative PCR test on their way back into Canada, and there’s no clear indication of when that might change.
Right now, any traveller trying to enter Canada must provide a negative PCR test taken at their own expense, and taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the border.
The government told Global News it is looking “quite carefully” at the necessity of these tests, but it has no plans to immediately drop the requirement — despite calls from both border town mayors and industry representatives to do just that.
“We are looking at these requirements quite carefully. As the COVID situation remains volatile, officials and experts will continue to evaluate the measures in place, and make necessary adjustments as required,” said Andrew MacKendrick, a spokesperson for Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, in a statement emailed to Global News on Monday.
His statement came just hours after the mayors from border cities like Windsor and Niagara Falls called on the Canadian government to ditch the pricey PCR test obligation as soon as possible.
“When you tell a family, ‘it’s going to cost you another $1,000 to visit … and you won’t have any more to eat or a nicer place to stay,’ they choose not to,” said Jim Diodati, who is the mayor of Niagara Falls.
“They’re a lot like water. They take the path of least resistance.”
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens echoed Diodati’s concerns. He said that while there’s now a “pathway” for families to reunite on either side of the border, it’s been “dampened” by the “unreasonable and costly” tests that sometimes cost as much as $200.
The FDA approved the one-a-day Wegovy pill, the first oral GLP-1 medication for obesity in the U.S., Wegovy manufacturer Novo Nordisk said in a statement Tuesday.
The federal government is suspending the planned export ban on single-use plastics due to tariffs and supply chain issues "creating significant pressure on the domestic economy."
The final preparations for Santa Claus' annual Dec. 24 flight are complete after successfully navigating 'several unusual challenges,' NAV Canada said in a statement.
A Regina mother is speaking publicly after her 11-year-old son died in a carbon monoxide incident at an apartment building friday.
Honveer Singh Randhawa said his team has already achieved a material outcome after the chief electoral officer admitted that some violations had occurred.
As shoppers in Saskatchewan head to shopping centres for last minute purchases, a new report suggests they are more likely to be spending with intention this year.
No statement of defence has been filed and none of the allegations have been tested in court.
A 2023 B.C. Census report found that during a 24-hour period, 1,750 women, children and youth were helped through transition housing programs.
Nova Scotia fiddler Ashley MacIsaac said the summary falsely asserted he had been convicted of a series of offences, including sexual assault and internet luring.
The Bank of Canada says it's staying 'cautious' heading into 2026 as uncertainty remains high with the global trade war, tariffs and a trade deal with the U.S. set for review.
First responders found two unconscious occupants inside an apartment building in Regina on Friday due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Nova Scotia RCMP criminal operations officer Dan Morrow said in an interview with Global News that he hasn't seen a case quite like this in his 33 years of policing.
The government announced it was putting Dalhousie University in charge of a $30-million program that will see a call for onshore natural gas exploration issued in the new year.