Canada’s ArriveCAN app is still in place despite COVID-19 restrictions easing for travellers, and now it’s time for the app requirement to go, argue border-city mayors, tourism officials and opposition Members of Parliament, reports the Canadian Press.
“We supported the federal government restrictions for years because it was the right thing to do. The science is now telling us that these restrictions at the border are no longer serving us. The restrictions are no longer helping us,” said Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley added, “every border mayor can tell you horror stories about the border and the inconsistencies of the border measures. It’s arbitrary, we took the required steps at the start of the pandemic, but we’re being punished.”
With the federal government set to remove COVID-19 vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound international travel, it’s now time for the ArriveCAN app to similarly come to an end, argue opponents. The app has also been plagued with issues causing frustration and delays for travellers in the past.
South Okanagan—West Kootenay MP, Richard Cannings, says there needs to be a better plan, especially for his riding with six border points of entry.
Canadians arriving home and international visitors are still required to use the ArriveCan app to fill out their vaccination status, for Canada Border Services Agency.
Despite the opposition, it appears the federal Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, does not see the need to scrap the ArriveCAN app, as he essentially had a non-answer when asked if the app should be removed.
“ArriveCan is an important tool that continues to be valuable to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and those who are arriving.” He added Minister of Public Safety, Marco Mendicino, was working with stakeholders on how to improve the process.
Canada is expected to axe the $21 million COVID Alert app sometime this week, due to the low uptake of the exposure notification tool. Now it seems ArriveCAN should be next on the chopping block.
