Erie County Legislature Minority Leader Joe Lorigo is calling on the United States and Canadian governments to form a plan for re-opening the United States/Canadian border. Legislator Lorigo submitted a resolution mirroring legislation submitted by government leaders in Fort Erie, Ontario several weeks ago.

Since March of 2020, the US/Canadian border has been closed to traffic in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Every 30 days, that closure continues to be extended which has halted trade between borders and left many families and loved ones separated.

Legislator Lorigo said, “It’s time the United States and Canadian governments put together a plan for re-opening the border. Both economies are suffering and the threat of COVID-19 is winding down thanks to increasing vaccine numbers. Our closest Canadian municipality, Fort Erie, is also voicing concerns regarding the negative social and economic impacts of the extended closure. The resolution I have submitted is similar to one passed by their local council in recent weeks. We can’t keep waiting to lift restrictions and allow cross-border travel.”

Last week, Legislator Lorigo also went on the record in support of Congressman Brian Higgins’ push to share local vaccine supply with Canada to help them administer more doses.

“We are willing to do whatever we can to make this an easier process,” Legislator Lorigo added. “We’ve made great progress getting our vaccine numbers up and we’ve got plenty of supply to go around. If Erie County facilitating a vaccine clinic for Canadians would help boost their numbers and expedite the timeline for re-opening, we should set it up as soon as possible. I plan to continue conversations about this with my partners in County government.”