For almost a year, the citizens of the Municipality of Dundee have had to deal with the closure of the land border between Canada and the United States. Some even have to quarantine on a regular basis.
On March 18th , 2020, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, ordered the closure of the border between Canada and the United States. Since that time, it has been extremely complicated for people to travel to Uncle Sam’s country or for Americans to take a trip on Canadian soil.
In the Municipality of Dundee, many citizens are eager to get back to their ways. Since the municipality is located on the border, a considerable number of citizens find themselves trapped. As Dundee Mayor Linda Gagnon explains, many Dundee residents spent 100% of their free time in the United States. “There are lives turned upside down, says Mrs. Gagnon. There are citizens whose social and economic life is in the United States. Many cannot go to see their family members without having to quarantine in the United States and again upon returning to Canada.”
Hopkins Point
Hopkins Point is more than problematic due to the border closure. To gain access to residences located in Dundee, motorists must cross the border. “The citizens who live there were trapped, insists Mrs. Gagnon. A woman who had to go to chemotherapy treatments had to cross the river in a canoe. I made calls to the federal deputy, Claude DeBellefeuille and the citizens all obtained letters in order to have the right to cross the border.”
Despite the letter of authorization, the Mayor of Dundee says one point remains irritating. “At 6 pm, customs closes, explains Mrs. Gagnon. This is particularly concerning because if customs is closed, you cannot cross.”
Of the 371 residents in Dundee, the vast majority come from Quebec. However, there are also Americans who own second homes. “When they arrive, they have to quarantine and it’s the same when they go back. What is unique is that in order to shop, our citizens have to travel more kilometers. Since the United States is nearby, many would go there to shop. There were also people from the United States crossing for health care or to come visit and eat.”
Never had a case of COVID-19
Linda Gagnon emphasizes on an important point. Public Health has never confirmed the presence of Covid-19 cases in Dundee. “It’s difficult for many citizens. We never had a case, but we still lived with the restrictions. We can’t wait to get our life back.”
