Legislators Joe Lorigo, Chris Greene, Frank Todaro, and John Mills introduced a resolution in support of re-opening the US/Canadian border during Thursday morning’s session of the Erie County Legislature. The resolution was blocked by Majority Caucus Legislator Howard Johnson, whose legislative district borders Canada.

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 suffering negative social and economic impacts due to the extended closure. The resolution I have submitted is similar to one passed by their local government in recent weeks. It’s time both of our federal governments lift the restrictions and allow cross-border travel. It’s a shame Legislator Johnson, who represents the City of Buffalo, doesn’t consider this a priority.”

Legislator Greene said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll on not only our local economy, but also that of Ontario, Canada. The time has come to open the U.S.-Canadian border to all traffic once again so we can start getting back on track. Both Canadian and American citizens are being vaccinated and we are on the tail end of the pandemic.”

Legislator Mills said, “The border has been shut down to non-essential traffic for over 14 months now. Enough is enough and we need to do everything we can as lawmakers to open it back up. If not, the economies of the United States and Canada will take an even bigger hit than they already have.”

Legislator Todaro said, “Jobs have been lost, families are forced to be apart and the economy is suffering tremendously. It is time to open up the U.S.-Canadian border to help mend what the COVID-19 pandemic has broken.”