Federal government loosening border restrictions for extended family, loved ones of Canadians
Posted October 2, 2020 3:47 pm.
Last Updated October 2, 2020 4:53 pm.
The federal government is loosening some travel and border rules, to let more family members, students, and loved ones in compassionate scenarios enter the country.
Until now, only immediate family members of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident you were allowed in (unless you were considered an essential traveller for trade-related reasons).
The federal government now says beginning October 8th, extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be allowed to enter Canada as long as they follow quarantine rules and receive the proper authorization.
That includes people in “extended committed relationships” and foreign nationals with a terminal illness.
Beginning October 20th, international students attending educational institutions with appropriate COVID-19 readiness plans will also be allowed to enter Canada.
In a statement, the federal government stresses "travellers should not make any travel plans until they have met all requirements and obtained all necessary authorizations to qualify to come to Canada under the new rules." #cdnpoli
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) October 2, 2020
Public Safety Minister Bill Blair says the government is beefing up screening measures and the number of public health officials at the border to enforce quarantine rules.
