Kootenay Columbia MP Rob Morrison expressed his thoughts on the recent travel restrictions imposed by the federal government, alongside discussions on several other topics.
According to the Government of Canada, flights to Mexico and Caribbean destinations have been suspended until at least April 30th, starting on January 31st. Further restrictions will be added at midnight on February 3rd, including a negative COVID-19 test prior to departure, among other restrictions.
More: Flight cancellations, mandatory hotel quarantine for international travellers (Jan 29, 2021)
Morrison said implementing rapid testing would help lift travel restrictions earlier.
“We have tools out there right now, like rapid testing and vaccines, that aren’t rolled out. So, we’re stuck in this travel ban situation because the government hasn’t opened the door to having this rapid tests out so that we could get people in and out,” said Morrison.
Morrison feels airline companies have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, and the addition of a travel ban makes the situation more difficult.
“We’re lucky we still have some flights out of Cranbrook, whereas other places like Castlegar, Penticton, and places like that are not as fortunate. I don’t know how long the airlines can hold out without flying. They have a lot of big airplanes that cost a lot of money.”
The MP also spoke about a loophole allowed for U.S. companies.
“American Airlines can fly out of Calgary or out of other airports in Canada to U.S. destinations, but Canadian airlines can’t,” explained Morrison.
In his time with local media, Morrison also spoke about his request to become an observer of the Columbia River Treaty negotiations.
“That’s probably one of our largest issues we have here, is the Columbia River Treaty, by far. With the billions of dollars in revenue and how it helps small communities, how it helps Cranbrook, it helps us all throughout Kootenay Columbia,” said Morrison.
As well, Morrison talked about the issue of gun restrictions.
“What’s really troubling is: when we start targeting legal people who have legal guns and have a legal PAL or RPAL and we’re taking guns from them to the tune of about a billion dollars. Is there not a better way to spend that billion dollars, especially when we’re a billion dollars in debt right now”
Listen to the full interview covering these tops and several others with MP Rob Morrison below: