Border restrictions cause mixed emotions on Atlantic bubble opening day
For a good many Maritimers, the latest restrictions on travel at the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border affect them on a personal level.
Stephanie Myles and her family live in the Sydney area – roughly five hours away from the provincial border – but the impact of the rule changes hits close to home.
"Well, I am over 40 weeks pregnant – almost 41 weeks pregnant – and my parents live in New Brunswick," the expectant mother told CTV Atlantic.
With their second child due to arrive any day now, the plan was for Myles' parents to arrive from Nackawic, N.B., to be there for the birth and help out. And the timing was going to be perfect.
"I was really excited when I found out that my parents would be able to come on June 23," Myles says. "And I tell you, my mom had the car packed as soon as she found out last week."
Now, the way the rules have changed at the provincial border has made it uncertain whether her parents can make the trip to Cape Breton.
"This has added a lot of unnecessary stress, and that is what is so frustrating," Myles says.
On the other side of the border, in Dieppe, N.B., Peter Henry and his wife Shirley were hoping to travel to Amherst, N.S., to witness their only grandson's high school graduation. The couple says they have each received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
"It went from anger to frustration to unbelievable," Peter Henry says in describing his emotions when he learned of the changes to restrictions and isolation rules. "We'd have to go there a week ahead of time for a two-hour graduation. It's our grandson's Grade 12 graduation. It's a once in a lifetime thing."
Wednesday's date had been circled on the calendar for many since plans for the Atlantic Bubble were announced earlier this month. With COVID-19 cases going down, it was expected to be another milestone towards the Maritimes opening up. But when opening day arrived, there were many who didn't feel like celebrating.
"I know things change, and admissions can change in a heartbeat," Peter Henry says. "But this to me, it's just utterly ridiculous."
There are Maritimers who see the issue differently. Stephanie Myles says she knows provincial governments have tough decisions to make during the pandemic, and that they can't please everyone. She says it's the timing – and lack of notice – that frustrates her.
"At this point in the pandemic, I do expect more. I will say that," Myles says. "It's not March of 2020 anymore. It added a lot of stress to our family, and I'm sure it added a lot of stress to other families too."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.