A deal has been reached by Canada and the United States for an unprecedented closure of the border.
President Donald Trump took to Twitter Wednesday morning to say: “We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!”
Earlier this week, Canada shut its border to most visitors, with the exception of Americans.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the border would be temporarily closed.
“Both our countries we are telling our citizens to stay home, to not visit their neighbours if they don’t have to. This collaborative measure is a prudent approach and I want to be clear that essential travel will continue,” Trudeau said.
He notes the border won’t be closed to businesses to ensure our supply chains of goods do not dry up.
“It’s critical that we preserve supply chains between both countries. These supply chains ensure that food, fuel and life-saving medicines reach people on both sides of the border. Supply chains including trucking will not be affected by this new measure,” Trudeau added.
Trudeau adds the enforcement of the border is going to come into effect as soon as possible and will take place quickly.
We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
