Photo: With constant updates required and constant problems with travelers trying to use the app with many difficulties it certainly confirms the ineptitude of the Federal government's ability to do anything well. Travelers have had Border Guards help them complete the entry process on the app. If that doesn't work the guards recommended deleting the app and reinstalling it to get it to work properly thus making the Border Guards now computer technical support to our smartphones. All of these issues cause long wait times and make us beholden to technology that is actually slower than identity with passport entry of the past.
By Jayna Smith
Many Canadian mayors and businesses in border towns are appealing to their government to drop the requirement of the ArriveCAN app. The app, they say, is keeping Americans out of the country during what should be the start of a busy tourism season.
The requirement of the ArriveCAN app began amidst the pandemic. It allows travelers to report their trips into Canada, while also providing their health information surrounding COVID-19.
Specifically, users must identify how they are entering Canada, for example, by air, land, or sea, and what port of entry will be used, along with providing additional information.
Since its inception, the ArriveCAN app has not been called user friendly, and instead, has been burdensome and confusing for most who have had to use it.
The Canadian government website warns that if the proper information is not submitted through the app, the traveler(s) may be denied entry.
St. Stephen Deputy Mayor Ghislaine Wheaton said she has no firm data on traffic numbers this tourism season, but says she is “sure that it’s down significantly” because of the ArriveCAN app requirement.
“I have spoken to many St Stephen residents that are stressed or unable to deal with the app, therefore, have made the decision to not cross the border until the app is removed,” Wheaton said, adding that she has heard from many neighbors in the U.S. who have shared the same concerns.
“Personally, I believe that with the many restrictions that have been lifted, it’s now time to remove the app. I feel that the majority of the population is ready to move on in a safe manner,” she said.
CEO of the Tourism Association of Canada Beth Potter recently told reporters that the international travel levels are still half of what they were pre-pandemic in 2019.
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