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Community Comment: Of course we’re vaccinated, we’re Canadian

One day, I look forward to being able to go back down to Point Roberts, say hello and watch the whales off Lighthouse Marine Park
Point Roberts border crossing
The border into Point Roberts.

In the past couple of weeks, Canada has become one of the most vaccinated countries around the world. This should come as absolutely no surprise.

There’s a joke I tell Americans about Canada.

‘How do you get 100 Canadians out of a swimming pool? Ask them.’

Remember the 2010 Winter Olympics? All those long lines? I’m sure they could have been cut down a lot by people who didn’t need to stand in them, but just did because they thought they were supposed to. I spent five hours waiting for the zip line at Robson Square. I thought it was for the men’s room. Boy, was I surprised.

As I write this, almost 80 per cent of eligible Canadians have had at least one jab, 57 per cent having two. The only reason you aren’t eligible is because you are under the age of 12. We are still booking appointments a week out. Seems that we are doing the Canadian thing, politely standing in line, as we’ve been told to do.

Contrast that with the U.S. You don’t need an appointment to get a shot, they have tents set up at events to give you one if you want it. Free baseball tickets, a shot at $1,000,000, you name it. All for getting a needle. They’ve had enough vaccine for months. Yet their vaccination rates are much lower than ours, and it’s starting to show.

They wanted everything back to normal for July 4 celebrations. It looks like that was a bit premature. The Delta variant (no, it didn’t originate here) is affecting those who aren’t vaccinated.

But behold…we are now allowing fully vaccinated Americans to Canada! There’s a few hoops to jump through, like a negative COVID test at least 72 hours before coming across. Not very convenient for someone from Point Roberts who wants to come up for a quick trip. At least they don’t have to isolate for 14 days any more.

It’s quite strange that Canada would be the one to open the border sooner, although I guess it makes sense – let’s invite their vaccinated here, but not mingle with the unvaccinated down there. Even if you are vaccinated, there’s a chance of being a symptomless carrier like the U.S. gymnast at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

It seems strange that ball parks, basketball courts and hockey arenas in the States are wide open and maskless, yet a bunch of vaccinated Canadians are a threat.

One day, I look forward to being able to go back down to Point Roberts, say hello and watch the whales off Lighthouse Marine Park. Our friends south of here need us, even if it’s just to let them know we still care about them.

Brad Sherwin, MBA is a long-time resident of South Delta, and has over 30 years’ experience in marketing, public relations and business strategy. He teaches Marketing at Douglas College, coaches hockey goalies and is Past President of Deltassist.