Windsor West MP Brian Masse is urging the Trudeau Liberals to follow through on a proclamation to reunite families separated by the border's closure.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government would work towards reuniting those families, but there is no timeline and no process.
As the months stretch on, Masse said he is getting more phone calls from families demanding some kind of process so they can see their loved ones.
"We have children that can not see their parents. We have loved ones that are separated that have dependency issues, like disabilities, persons with mental health illnesses," he told BlackburnNews.com. "Part of the suffering is, not only the fact that they're apart but also not knowing what to do next."
So, Masse has written a series of letters, the latest, to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is also the Foreign Affairs Minister. He said Canadians deserve a means to reunite with family members.
"Either each case be reviewed by the Minister's office, and a determination made with an explanation -- or another comprehensive approach be developed," said the letter to Freeland. "I understand that this is a challenging and complex situation, but public disclosure -- will strengthen public trust and confidence."
"It's important for the community to be able to plan. It's important to have our CBSA [Canada Border Services Agency] officers to have the supports needed to process these things," continued Masse.
However, Masse is aware of the possible risks of spreading COVID-19 through the community.
"What we don't want to do is compromise the safety of anybody regarded to the general public or the families that are involved," he said.
Last month, the Canadian and American governments agreed to keep the border closed at least until June 21, and Masse admitted a safe and accountable plan might take time.
"Even for the fact that it might take a month, or a little more time, if you at least know the path forward, you'll feel more comfortable, and you'll also know that it's being taken seriously," said Masse.
