Travel restrictions at Canada, U.S. border likely to kick in Friday night: Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said today he expects new restrictions on non-essential travel at the Canada-U.S. border to take effect Friday night, but cautioned that both sides are still fine-tuning the agreement.

On Wednesday, Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trumpagreed to stop travellers from crossing the border for recreational and tourism purposes as the two nations work to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"We are continuing to work on the fine-tuning of the agreement between Canada and the U.S.I think it's almost there," Trudeau told reporters Thursdayduring the latest of his now-daily briefings from Rideau Cottage, where he works from self-isolation.

"My understanding is the measures will probably come into place on the night between Friday and Saturday, so in about a day and a half."

Both countries haveinsisted thattrade and key supplies will continue to flow across the border and people who need to crossforessential work will still be able to do so.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to get home, although the government says travellers presenting symptoms won't be able to board flights.

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said internationalstudents, workers on visas and temporaryforeign workers will also be able to enter Canada, with the expectation that they'll respectthe government's request to self-isolate for 14 days.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says all asylum seekers crossing into Canada atRoxham Road in Quebecwill be temporarily housed andquarantined for 14 days.

Government will ensure asylum-seekers self-isolate for 14 days

4 years ago

Duration 1:04

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Thursday that asylum-seekers who cross the border at Roxham road will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and the government will provide them a place to stay.