Cross-border couples urge feds for travel exemption
Posted July 29, 2020 10:20 pm.
Last Updated July 30, 2020 11:49 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Canadians in committed relationships with non-Canadians are pushing the federal government to declare unmarried couples exempt from Canadian border restrictions.
Canada’s border closure brought on by COVID-19 has forced Cherie Storms and her partner Mike to spend all of their time together online.
“I live here in Langley, British Columbia, and my boyfriend lives in Minnesota. Up until the borders were closed, we were able to see each other freely, and we have been unable to do that since March,” she explains to CityNews.
Despite all the technology available to keep people in touch, Storms says, “It’s been surprisingly difficult.”
“There’s still no underestimating the physical connection between two people, and just being able to give someone a simple hug.”
Under current laws, Canadians can have their non-Canadian partner join them in the country only if they are married or considered common-law. It leaves no room for people in committed relationships, even if they’re engaged.
Dr. David Edward-Ooi Poon lives in Toronto while his partner Alexandria lives in Ireland also has not seen each other in months.
In an effort to instigate change, the couple launched an online initiative urging the feds to make committed couples an exemption at the border.
“We are not asking for open borders. We’re just asking to be together,” he says.
Poon has garnered more than 4,000 signatures on a petition calling for Canada to follow suit and have the issue raised in Parliament.
Poon adds Ottawa making an exception for the partners of NHL players has felt like a “slapshot to the face.”
“It’s been very difficult to watch the NHL and other sports teams be given exemptions to come to Canada with their significant others,” Storms says. “That’s all we’re asking for as well.”
Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship says his department has been working to find innovative ways to ensure as many families as possible are reunited.
“We continue to work with members of all sides of this house to accomplish that objective.”
Six European countries, including Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, have already amended their laws to allow for committed couples to meet in person.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct attribution on a quote.
