BISMARCK, ND – Governor Doug Burgum today sent a joint letter with the governors of Montana and Idaho and the premiers of Saskatchewan and Alberta urging the federal governments of the United States and Canada to work together and reach an agreement to immediately reopen the international border.

The letter to President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau follows a decision this week by the Biden administration to extend restrictions on non-essential travel at the US-Canada border for at least a month, until 21st of August. This decision came two days after Canada’s decision. announces it would reopen its border to U.S. citizens vaccinated for non-essential travel on August 9.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Idaho Governor Brad Little, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney joined Burgum in signing the letter.

“As we continue to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and work together on joint initiatives to vaccinate more and more of our citizens every day, now is the time to allow our citizens to move safely through our common border, ”the leaders said in the letter. “For the well-being and future prosperity of our two nations, we must take our personal responsibility in providing vaccines to vaccine-seeking citizens, reducing mitigation measures that cause economic damage, and encouraging travel to commercial and tourist purposes. “

Click here to read the full letter.