A News Release from the Office of Buffalo, New York-area Congressman Brian Higgins, with a Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper
Posted January 12th, 2021 ion Niagara At Large A Foreword by Doug Draper at NAL –
This Peace Bridge – built in friendship to peoples on both sides of the Canada/U.S border – remains closed to most of us. Thanks to Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins to circulating a statement on it again. No thanks to our federal MPs on the Canadian side of the border for not releasing a statement on this … Shame on them, Doug Draper, Niagara At Large
Once again, an extension the ban on non-essential traffic across the Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge and other border crossing bridges is being circulated in a statement from a Buffalo, New York area Congressman, and not by any federal MPs on the Niagara, Ontario side of the border.
And the question is why are our federal MPs here in Niagara, Ontario not issuing a statement containing the kind of substance that is in the one issued by Buffalo-area Congressman below.
Does all of the cost and suffering – economic, social and otherwise – not matter to them as much too.
We are going through unprecedented times and I can say that at no time, during my more than six decades on this earth, have the border bridges bonding friends on both sides of the Canada/U.S border been closed for such a long time – almost going on a whole year now.
Where are our federal representatives on the Canadian side of the Niagara stretch of the border on putting out a statement on this? Thanks, once again, to U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins for being good enough to citizens on both sides to share the sacrifice and sadness of people of the border – and to share it enough to keep us informed.
Now here is the Statement from Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins, and thanks to him, at least, for keeping us informed at the greater Niagara region level –
A Statement By Congressman Brian Higgins on Extension of the US-Canada Border Closure
U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins, representing people in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York area.
Congressman Brian Higgins (Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY-26), who serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus released the following statement in response to Canada’s announcement of the extension of the existing border restrictions:
“Today (this January 12th) , as expected, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that restrictions will remain in place at the U.S – Canada border.
The Trump Administration has failed in its response to COVID and taken no responsibility for addressing the economic and health needs related to this national emergency. Consequently Americans have suffered.
“Despite our numerous requests to U.S. border agencies, no plan has been developed for the eventual reopening of the border between the United States and Canada. “Thankfully, next week a new administration steps in – one that recognizes the strength and value that comes with closer coordination with Canada – one of our closest allies. The Biden-Harris team steps in at a time of national crisis.
“They will have a great deal of work before them. And while I don’t expect change immediately, I do believe the new administration will work with focus to repair relationships with our allies and put the United States on a healing path.
“The border between the U.S. and Canada first closed due to the pandemic on March 24th and has been extended multiple times. Higgins has fought for the development of a plan that takes a nuanced approach to reopening the border and has pushed for reciprocal family reunification measures and exemptions for property owners.
“The United States and Canada share 5,525 miles of border, the longest land boundary between two countries in the world. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports,
“Approximately 400,000 people and over $1.6 billion in goods cross the Northern Border daily through more than 120 POEs (Ports of Entry).
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.
Niagara At Large 