The 'Alaska Loophole' Is Getting Americans Into BC & John Horgan Isn't Happy

According to John Horgan, the "Alaska loophole" has been getting Americans into B.C. lately. This loophole is when American citizens enter through the Canadian border by claiming they're headed home to Alaska. The premier has gotten word of this and has expressed his concern. 

During a public press conference on Thursday, July 2, Premier John Horgan answered a question about the Alaska loophole. 

Recently, a Texas family was caught using this loophole to tour around Banff. 

A concerned local posted about this on Facebook, saying that this particular family was let in and were "wandering around Banff, no masks, no distancing, no 14-day quarantine."

Referencing Monopoly, Horgan stated that nonessential travellers should "not pass go" and "go directly to Alaska.”

“We have to maintain our border security so that we can protect the process we have made here in British Columbia,” said Horgan. 

The borders have been closed to most travellers since Saturday, March 21. But Americans returning home to Alaska have been granted permission to enter Canada in order to get home. 

The travellers are told to take a direct path back home and even Horgan noted that American travellers should not be stopping to sightsee along the way. 

Horgan noted a conversation with the chief of Pacheedaht First Nation on the west coast of Vancouver Island who said that license plates from both Texas and California were spotted at a general store. 

"If you're heading to Alaska, you don't go through Port Renfrew," Horgan said.

“That’s not part of the plan.”

In addition to speaking with the chief, Horgan raised the issue with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.

He noted his desire to keep the U.S-Canada border closed for the foreseeable future. 

The premier is now hopeful that Freeland will take this issue up with state department authorities. 

“We want to ensure that Alaskans can get home safely but we also want to protect the work that all British Columbians have done to flatten the curve of COVID-19,” said the premier.