Chamber asking for answers on marine border confusion

The Chamber is actively working with the federal government to get clarity on why Canada's marine borders with the U.S remain closed.

There has been tremendous confusion regarding marine borders, which have not reopened, creating a major disruption to commercial ferry operators and Greater Victoria’s tourism economy.

We are asking government to provide clarity on this issue, as soon as possible, in order to avoid the very real risk of permanently losing key transportation and tourism links.

Visitors from Washington State play a vital role in job creation and the economic vitality of our region. The companies that operate ferries, as with all businesses, need certainty before they begin the process of resuming operations. This takes at minimum three weeks and, as we get closer to fall, a decision must be made to resume by the end of summer or to suspend operations for 2021 entirely.
 
Victoria’s Inner Harbour has long been a gateway to Canada and we are concerned about the federal government’s approach to Belleville Terminal’s designation as a port-of-entry. We are asking that immediate attention be given to reinstating Canada Border Service Agency personnel at Belleville Terminal in order to demonstrate that fair treatment is being given to this vital border crossing.