NDP: Liberals need to be transparent on rationale for easing travel measures

NDP Transport Critic, Taylor Bachrach made the following statement:

“For months now, ongoing travel delays caused by conditions at our borders and airports have forced people to postpone seeing their loved ones. We welcome new measures to improve travel so long as they are justified by health science and explained transparently to Canadians.

When the government first eased border restrictions, it was obvious Canadians would make travel plans. By the Liberals own admission, they underestimated the travel rebound and failed to prepare. Then, throughout the summer, the Liberals did little while delays, cancellations and challenging conditions for workers plagued our airports and borders.

The NDP welcomes any effort to facilitate safe travel for Canadians, but the Liberals continue to create more questions than answers. They must clearly explain how today's decisions are based on public health science -- not political pressure. The Liberals have fallen short on transparency when it comes to pandemic travel restrictions. Canadians deserve to know what changed and why lifting measures is warranted.

In the meantime, government must ensure Canada Border Service Officers and airport screeners are supported as restrictions ease and their working conditions change. Workers have been bearing the brunt of the travel crisis and many face unacceptable working conditions. While the Liberals have refused to act, these workers have been missing breaks, putting in extensive overtime, and working short-handed for months.

New Democrats will keep pushing for government transparency and to ensure workers in our travel sector are supported."