Description

The COVID-19 outbreak poses unique risks and challenges. The unprecedented public health and safety risks posed by the COVID-19 outbreak have triggered unprecedented restrictions on cross-border activity. Canada, the US, and Mexico have announced border measures designed to prevent “non-essential” cross-border traffic. Concerns have been expressed regarding how such measures will be implemented, and whether they will adversely impact trucking and supply chains. Some jurisdictions in Canada have announced health emergencies. Canada’s Emergencies Act may be invoked in order to authorize special temporary measures to protect safety and security. The US President has already proclaimed that the COVID-19 outbreak constitutes a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act.

There is a tension between the strong public interest in the protection of health and safety, and the strong public interest to avoid unnecessary economic damage and in supporting businesses, jobs, and the economy. In Canada, an expansive package of relief measures has been announced, and others may be contemplated in order to help stabilize the economy. Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses. Other programs have been announced in the US. Government responses continue to rapidly evolve.

• International Trade and Customs, presented by Daniel Kiselbach
• US Immigration, presented by Ellen Kief
• Transportation and Trucking, presented by Jaclyne Reive
• Tax, presented by Cathie Brayley

• recent cross-border measures,
• business support programs,
• related issues such as export controls, contract excuses (e.g., force majeure), waiver of interest, time extensions, immigration, and future trends.