Policy Change and Reactions
The will restrict Canadian access to the , requiring visitors from Canada to go through customs starting October 1. This decision affects a site emblematic of cross-border harmony.
Local and Canadian officials express disappointment and concern over the decision, citing it as a deterioration of U.S.-Canada relations and an undermining of the spirit of cooperation.
Background and Context
The policy shift follows comments by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security , who jokingly referred to Canada as the "51st state" during a visit to the library, sparking outrage among Canadian officials.
This move occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Canada, including Trump's threats to annex Canada and the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods.