The Canada/U.S. border will remain closed to non-essential travel for at least one more month.
A Facebook post from Wayne Long, the MP for Saint John-Rothesay in New Brunswick, said the closure has been extended until at least Aug. 21.
The latest agreement to keep the border closed was set to expire on July 21.
On Monday, the prime minister said his government will continue working hard to keep Canadians safe and to keep the economy flowing.
Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu is expecting the Canada/U.S. border will be closed for another month.
The current agreement expires on July 21 but Hajdu believes it will be extended until August 21.
The Thunder Bay-Superior North MP says COVID-19 cases in the United States continue to rise and the Canadian government doesn’t want to put local lives at risk.
Hajdu says we are headed in the right direction.
When asked by John Ongaro of Acadia News about American plates being spotted across northwestern Ontario, Hajdu downplayed beliefs that people are being allowed across the border despite the COVID-19 shutdown.
Hajdu says several Americans own businesses here, Snowbirds may have U.S. plates or people have relationships with immediate family that our American.
She stressed border officials are doing a good job of screening all those who come through.
Two Minnesota residents were recently caught in Fort Frances after failing to comply with the Mandatory Quarantine Act.
(Files from Vic Krassowski and John Ongaro Thunder Bay)
Protests continue in Minnesota and across the U.S. over the death of George Floyd, the unarmed black man who died while detained by police in Minneapolis.
There were stark contrasting images nationwide between police and demonstrators this weekend, with one officer hugging a visibly upset black youth, while multiple videos showed police pushing protesters.
Other videos showed the use of pepper spray and rubber bullets, a police officer shoving down an elderly man, police cruisers pushing protestors back and a police horse trampling a woman.
A Michigan sheriff joined protesters in Flint Township on Saturday, putting down his weapon and saying, “I want to make this a parade, not a protest.”
Chris Swanson spoke with demonstrators who were met by police officers in riot gear.
“The only reason we’re here is to make sure that you got a voice. That’s it” Swanson said in video clips shown on Twitter.
There were more arrests in Minneapolis because of a curfew.
More than 150 people were taken into custody Sunday.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says there’s been 362 similar arrests since the curfew was issued Friday.
Authorities are reporting finding incendiary materials and accelerant’s such as water bottles filled with gasoline hidden around various neighbourhoods.
A couple of fires were reported Sunday, unlike Friday night when there were 20, including nine structural fires.
A 35-year-old truck driver also remains in custody on a charge of assault after a tanker truck drove through demonstrators gathered on a freeway in Minneapolis.
Fortunately, no major injuries were reported.
Meantime, the children of George Floyd are pleading for peaceful protests around America.
They say while they appreciate the support shown, they’re also urging protesters to avoid violence.
(With files from Randy Thoms and Geoff Waterfield)
Minnesota’s Governor has called in the National Guard in the wake of protests over the death of George Floyd.
The unarmed black man died at the hands of Minneapolis police on Monday.
Last night, angry protesters set fire to a police station in the third day of violent protests
Governor Tim Walz says he defends the right to protest, but Floyd’s death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction.
A CNN crew were arrested by State Police while reporting live on air early Friday morning, though were later released.
United States President Donald Trump sent out tweets Friday that claimed the Mayor of Minneapolis is to blame for the situation, and would send in the National Guard. He added that “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.” The tweet has been marked by Twitter as promoting and glorifying violence, though it has not been removed.
The Governor has scheduled a 10:00 news conference to provide an update.
With files from Randy Thoms.
Minnesota police arrest CNN reporter and camera crew as they report from protests in Minneapolis https://t.co/oZdqBti776 pic.twitter.com/3QbeTjD5ed
— CNN (@CNN) May 29, 2020
A deal has been reached by Canada and the United States for an unprecedented closure of the border.
U.S. President took to Social Media Wednesday morning to Tweet “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.
Premier Doug Ford stated Tuesday he would support the decision as long as it doesn’t impact shipments, trade and commerce, which he claims brings in $1-billion a day.
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
A Rainy River man has been identified as the victim of a motorcycle crash near Minot, North Dakota, Wednesday night.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol says 51-year-old Rick Bourre was driving a Harley Davidson towing a trailer on Highway 2 when he lost control, causing the motorcycle to crash into a median of the divided highway.
He and a 50-year-old female passenger were thrown from the machine.
Bourre later died in hospital.
The woman, also from Rainy River, remains in critical but stable condition.
