Editor:
Re: Park loophole represents complete failure to protect Canadians, Nov. 19 letters
I thank Mike Beeney for sharing his observations with me directly through my MP office to which I responded and respond here again. I share concerns about border security at Peace Arch Park. I go there often to monitor the situation. There were clearly visitors and overnighters from both sides of the border camping out there. Recently, a few tents became a park full of them.
As of today (Friday, Nov. 20), there have been 145,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington State and 2,717 deaths. Contrast that to 25,000 confirmed cases and 321 deaths in B.C. Further provincial health restrictions were put in place Nov. 19 that focus on the Lower Mainland, with a current spike in South Surrey and White Rock specifically. Preventable spread of infection caused by untraceable international contacts does not fit that health narrative at all.
The laws and rules at the border are clear against illegal crossings, and doubly clear right now with COVID-19 restrictions. The issue is not a lack of rules, but a lack of enforcement.
Enforcement responsibilities rest with the RCMP and all levels of government. There seems to have been a lack of concern about breaches at Peace Arch Park until recent publicity.
I have raised the issue of border security in our riding with government officials and will continue to. I also support the legal reunification of close family members with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place.
When I drove to Peace Arch Park last weekend, for the first time there was a strong RCMP presence and no tents visible.
I will continue to monitor this and hold the Trudeau government to account. I hope the recent show of force will remain in place. We all need to do our best to be safe and keep others safe.
Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, South Surrey-White Rock MP