This is a response concerning Andy Vine’s post entitled, “What to do about “Rogue” Visitors”.

I’m a Canadian citizen and Cortes has been my home for over 10 years. Last summer, I married a US citizen. When the border was closed in March, we were in Arizona. Until June 8th, when CBSA lifted exemptions for immediate family, we were unable to return to Canada. It was a really stressful time for both of us, as I’m sure it has been for many of our community members who have been unable to return to Cortes this summer. 

We crossed the border legally in a vehicle with Arizona plates on June 18th. The Ministry of Health in both BC and Canada diligently monitored our two-week quarantine period with multiple phone calls and emails. This quarantine is required by law with severe penalties if broken. 

In my opinion, the CBSA are doing an exceptional job at these very unprecedented times and a nation-wide border closure. It is highly unlikely that anyone from the US is not in Canada legally (whether they have been on Cortes since before March 21st and could not safely return or whether they are, like us, now permitted to enter). Please see Canada Border Restrictions https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html#_Canada-U.S._border_restrictions_1 for more information.

So when you see US plates like ours and are curious about why we’re here, please ask. Many of you know myself and Andrew and know we’ve been a part of this community for many years. 

Further, I have been in communication with CBSA since early May and know that they are overloaded with questions about COVID-19. Please do not further tax them with unfounded concerns about your fellow islanders.