The Monchy border crossing in Val Marie is starting to experience a slight increase in the number of motorists entering Canada.
“In the last month or so, since things have changed, we have seen more and more visitors coming to Canada who are fully vaccinated,†said Scott Kienlen, Business Leader for the Southern Alberta District and from southern Saskatchewan for the Canada Border Services Agency. . “Like hunters or those who visit family and friends.”
As of September 7, fully vaccinated visitors are eligible to enter Canada for sightseeing as long as they are symptom-free and meet specific requirements, including a valid pre-arrival test.
Although the traffic numbers are on the rise, they are still falling significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and new guidelines required to enter Canada.
“There is definitely a noticeable year-over-year reduction compared to others, during this time of COVID,†he said. “Just to give you an example at Monchy Passage just south of Swift Current there, year over year in September (2019 vs. 2021) we saw an 82% reduction in volume, so it’s noticeable. “
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act can continue to enter the country as of right, but are subject to enhanced screening and testing, with some exceptions.
