Guidebook supports business travellers during cross-border work

As regional economies across Canada and the U.S. begin to reopen, the necessity to safeguard the borders and communities from COVID-19 and maintain and facilitate economic trade between Canada and the U.S. are important priorities.

The Windsor-Essex COVID-19 Economic Task Force, Canadian Association of Mold Makers (CAMM), Automate Canada, the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA), and the Consulate General of Canada – Detroit have developed a comprehensive guidebook to support business travellers crossing the border to maintain the manufacturing supply chain.

Cross-Border Tips for Manufacturing Sector Employees During COVID-19 is intended to be an evergreen document to ensure that manufacturing employees cross the border with ease and remain safe when working in a cross-border environment.

“The communication and sharing of ideas and information, as in the Cross-Border Tips for Manufacturing Sector Employees During COVID-19 guidebook, is what enables us to ensure that the manufacturing sector continues to be an important driver for economic recovery and future prosperity,” said Richard Janik, Windsor chapter chair, CTMA.

With uncertainty of rules regarding cross-border work in a COVID-19 environment, many employees are left vulnerable to mandatory 14-day self-isolation.

The guidebook contains essential information on how to self-monitor, how to quarantine, and what to do if COVID-19 symptoms develop. It also gives advice to help create clear communications between the business traveller and the Border Services Officer by preparing them to answer key questions from these officers.

The guidebook also helps ensure that business travellers are aware of unknown risks that could leave them subject to quarantine, as well as their rights when crossing the border. It provides suggestions on how to stay safe when travelling, reviews the potential scenarios that an employee could encounter when crossing the border, and suggests ways to make the experience easier and more efficient for both the employee and the Border Services Officer.

Canadian manufacturing companies rely on a vibrant supply chain that enables the movement of goods and people crossing the border between the U.S. and Canada. Doing so safely within a COVID-19 context is of greatest concern.

“The manufacturing sector is an essential part of the Windsor-Essex economy,” said Stephen MacKenzie, president/CEO, WindsorEssex Economic Development Corp. “While COVID-19 has presented new challenges, our U.S.-Canadian relationships remain true and strong and we need to ensure that we can continue to build on our existing trade relationships.”