The United States Senate has recently passed a Bill approving a free-trade deal with Colombia. From this Bill beginning November 5, 2011, everyone entering the United States via boat or airplane can expect to pay a $5.50 fee – including Canadians; whereas in previous years the United States’ northern neighbours were exempt from this fee to encourage travel and spending in the US. One American Senator, New York State Democrat Charles E. Schumer argues that charging Canadians this fee will discourage them from visiting the States - this could harbour harmful side effects for the current economic state of the US.
To address this issue, Senator Schumer introduced a Bill to the Senate on Tuesday December 6, 2011 that will prevent Customs and Border Protection Officials from collecting the $5.50 fee. There is a particular concern for boaters travelling in the Thousand Islands region as they often cross the St. Lawrence River – this could become annoying and boaters may decide to limit their travels to that area which would be bad for business.
Updates will be posted as news permits.
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