ND, MT governors, Canadian premiers urge feds to restore pre-pandemic hours at border

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and the premiers of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta all despatched a joint letter to President Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Tuesday asking them to revive pre-pandemic hours at border crossings.

The letter states that the restoration of hours will enhance commerce and cut back inflation on each side of the border. In addition they cited the latest announcement that Canada is dropping its COVID-19 restrictions beginning October 1. Moreover, final week, U.S. Customs and Border Safety briefly expanded hours at three North Dakota ports of entry.

In addition they despatched the letter to Homeland Safety and the Canadian minister of public security.

“We strongly urge our federal governments to take away this burden that forces vacationers and companies to drive lengthy distances and spend extra on gas and labor, incurring pointless prices at a time of excessive inflation and workforce challenges. Persevering with down this present path will solely additional harm our financial system and gas issues that these lowered hours of operation could develop into everlasting, which might run counter to longstanding efforts to make sure that folks and items can transfer freely throughout the border between our pleasant nations,” Burgum stated.

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