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
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.