TORONTO — There are reports that border reopening talks between officials on both sides of the Canada – U.S. border are scheduled to take place today, June 15. 

However those reports also indicate that no immediate action is expected to come of those talks.

Wire service Reuters says the talks are expected to take place today. Last week Reuters reported that the Biden administration was working with Canada, the UK, the EU and Mexico to create working committees to generate next steps for the safe restart of travel. Those committees are expected to meet twice monthly. 

Yesterday the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable urged the federal government once again to take concrete steps to prevent permanent damage to the travel and tourism sector, and the Canadian economy, by providing a clear and comprehensive plan for safely reopening the country.

“At some point government has to decide whether being vaccinated is meaningful,” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “We need a plan. We need it now. And everybody needs to know what it is.”

Meanwhile B.C. Premier John Horgan said Prime Minister Trudeau has called premiers for a meeting Thursday, June 17 to discuss reopening borders by land, air and sea. 

Last week the Canadian government announced the elimination of the hotel quarantine, and eased quarantine measures pending a negative PCR test result, for fully vaccinated returning Canadians and permanent residents, starting sometime in early July. 

The Canada-U.S. border has been closed for 15 months now and the next closure renewal date is June 21. Rumours have been ramping up in recent days that some eased restrictions could be announced, and government officials on both sides have been weighing in.

With file from The Canadian Press