Canadian and American citizens alike are buzzing with anticipation surrounding the decision to open the U.S. land borders for non essential travel as of November 8. 

Swift Current MLA, Everett Hindley thinks that the announcement is a positive for citizens, and the economy. 

“I think that's something that people have been waiting for, for a period of time now, and you know, particularly for us in in Swift Current and Southwest Saskatchewan, being as close to the to the American border as we are, this is important for us,” Hindley said. “It's important for economic reasons as there's a lot of trade that goes back and forth across the border into the United States, but also for recreational purposes as well.” 

With U.S. borders opening for non essential travel, Hindley also expects to see many Canadians returning to the States for the winter. 

“You know, COVID-19 has created a lot of pressures on all of us, I think, and that includes, from a business and a travel perspective as well,” he stated. “You think of, you know, locally what that means for us and Swift Current businesses in our area. There's a lot of people that spend money on travel like going down to the States and vice versa, coming the other way as well.” 

As for the impact on the economy, Hindley believes tourism in the province once again will have a large impact. 

“We're always trying to encourage people to come visit Saskatchewan, the land of living skies, and partake in any number of activities that they can here,” he said. “There's a number of tourism activities that happen in our neck of the woods that are popular for American tourists, some of them are on the hunting and fishing side as well as we know and in outfitting and those sorts of things. 

“That's important for local businesses here that are involved in those industries, and it's important for restaurants that receive those travelers, and for our hotel and hospitality sector as well.” 

Hindley acknowledged that the spread of COVID-19 is always an aspect to consider but has faith that the measures in effect will help the Southwest continue safely.