(Whitehorse, Yukon) The Yukon Chamber of Commerce applauds the Federal government’s decision to lift the requirement for pre-arrival COVID testing for travelers by April 1st announced earlier today.
While this is welcome news for Yukon’s beleaguered tourism industry, there are still hurdles to cross and the Yukon Chamber, through the YCC Border Crossing Working Group, will continue to work engage with industry and all levels of government until final decisions are delivered on a range of outstanding issues, including:
Providing exemptions, waivers, pre-clearance options for visitors to present and verify their ArriveCAN credential – particularly for train and cruise tour/shore excursion visitors entering Canada at Fraser;
Certainty is provided around the protocols and requirements for random testing as this has a major impact on group travel;
Confirmation that the Dawson City Airport is designated to accept international visitors and the Little Gold border crossing is open with CBSA services being provided at both ports of entry;
Working and supporting CBSA to ensure that all Yukon ports of entry are adequately staffed to avoid delays; and
Having public access Internet service installed at the Fraser port of entry to facilitate and support visitor’s access to required entry documents and credentials.
As the Chamber continues to emphasize the significance and sense of urgency associated with these matters, we acknowledge the unrelenting efforts of the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ranj Pillai, along with Yukon’s Member of Parliament, Brendan Hanley, who have been knocking on the doors of several federal cabinet ministers, raising awareness and taking steps to ensure Yukon’s tourism priorities – such as removing barriers to international travelers – remain front and centre. This important work is very much appreciated.
To read the Government of Canada announcement, click here.
For media coverage of the announcement, click here.
For Information or Comment Contact: Denny Kobayashi
Executive Director (867) 333-4257