Kenney, Moe join forces with U.S. governors calling for end to border vaccine mandate

The premiers and governors claimed that the COVID-19 restrictions have negatively impacted residents in Canada and the U.S. by driving up inflation and the cost of living. 

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe joined forces with multiple U.S. governors on Wednesday calling on the federal government to bring back a vaccine and quarantine exemption for cross-border truckers.

In a letter addressed to Prime Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden, the premiers and governors say they understand the importance of COVID-19 vaccines and continue to urge eligible people to get vaccinated. They also claimed that the restrictions have negatively impacted residents in Canada and the U.S. by driving up inflation and the cost of living.

The letter is signed by governors in Montana, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah and Wyoming – all historically Republican states.

“We are deeply concerned that terminating these exemptions has had demonstrably negative effects on the North American supply chain, the cost of living, and access to essential products for people in both of our countries,” the letter states.

“Transportation associations have informed us that the lack of exemptions will force thousands of drivers out of the trucking industry, which is already facing a significant workforce shortage.”

The letter comes after Canada and the U.S. reinstated cross-border vaccine and quarantine mandates for truckers on Jan. 15 and Jan. 22, respectively.

Truckers entering Canada must be fully vaccinated to avoid quarantine requirements, and unvaccinated U.S. truckers can no longer cross the Canadian border. Unvaccinated Canadian truckers crossing into the U.S. will be forced to turn back until they are fully vaccinated.