With travel restrictions between the US and Canada, people on both sides are unable to see loved ones. There are some exceptions made for only immediate family, but some argue it isn’t enough.
The Canadian government defines immediate family as dependent children, parents or guardians, and spouses and common-law partners - they can travel. But people like long-term committed partners and fiancees can’t.
Dr. David Poon is the cofounder of Advocacy for Family Reunification at the Canadian border, the organization currently has around 3,000 members, including in parts of Michigan near the border.
He said some exceptions that the Canadian government has created are a slap in the face to Americans and Canadians alike. NHL players and their partners-- committed or not -- are considered essential travelers.
“If the NHL is essential then why isn’t my family? We ask, does a marriage certificate decrease your chance of having covid? Does a hockey stick? We are not asking for open borders, we are just asking to be together,” said Dr. Poon.
He said this issue especially effects those with less traditional relationships. Those with religious or personal beliefs on marriage or those who may not feel comfortable within the tradition, particularly those in the LGBTQ community, are disproportionately effected.
He said his group is currently petitioning to loosen the travel restrictions for families. He explained that those excluded can still see each other in one way, that being if the partner on the Canadian side flies to the United States.
For Michiganders and Canadians near the border this is a big change. Those living near cities like Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, and Port Huron, visiting Canada has always been relatively simple… at least before Covid-19.
Sahi Veeraraghavan is an Indian national working in Canada. She said since March she has not been able to see her fiance, George, who lives less than an hour away from her - in Michigan.
“George is an American citizen, he is working in the US, so he can’t cross the border, because right now the Americans are not allowed over to Canadaand the only way that I can go see him is to fly,” she explained.
Veeraraghavan said traveling to see her fiance now could cost over a thousand dollars. She said she is involved with Advocacy for Family reunification at the Canadian border, a group petitioning for less restrictive measures for visiting loved ones across the border.
Until then many partners will remain separated until at least August 21st.