One dose summer

This week the Prime Minister created a bit of a stir in Ottawa when he announced his latest sound bite; that Canadians can enjoy a "one-dose summer”.

The comment appears to be an admission that at best, those Canadians who want to be fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID vaccine, will only be able to receive one dose by summer.

The expectation is that every Canadian can be in this “one-dose” situation by the end of June. 

The required second dose would occur at some point in the fall.

What does a “one dose” summer look like compared to a “two dose” summer as we now witnessing in the United States?

Unfortunately, the Prime Minister has not provided a clear definition of what a “one dose summer” really means.

In fairness much of health policy is provincial, however here in the Okanagan, we receive a considerable amount of business as a result from our proximity to the Canada /USA border.

Increasingly I am receiving questions from many in the tourism and hospitality sectors who are receiving booking requests from fully vaccinated US citizens and they are unclear how far down the road they must continue to decline these requests, which in turn amounts to a significant loss of revenue.

I am also increasingly hearing from frustrated Canadians who would like more certainty on what will be the plan for the border re-opening so they can visit family and attend to other commitments.

On these points PM Trudeau continues to say Canada will "align policy on ‘vaccine passports’" with other countries.

Unfortunately, this is not a clear answer on what his expectations will be for fully vaccinated US citizens desiring to do business here in Canada. 

While this is an important question for many small businesses who depend on US visitors here in the summer months, it may or may not be a concern to other citizens.

That leads to my question this week:

When it comes to the Canada /USA border what are your thoughts on a potential re-opening?

​I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.