The covid pandemic has presented a myriad of daunting challenges. Of course, the paramount issue is health and all it’s accompanying concerns. This 2020 epidemic has far-reaching and serious repercussions: economic, political and social to name a few. One offshoot of the Covid crisis that is top of mind for me is the closing of the border between the U.S.A and Canada.

My first introduction to the U.S. came by way of a celebrated American tv children’s program called Howdy Doodey. Hosted by Buffalo Bob Smith, the acclaimed show featured a puppet named… you guessed it …Howdy Doody! Bob introduced every program with a question to his live and tv audience with “What time is it?’” I can remember adding my voice to the collective response “It’s Howdy Doody time!” Watching from my black and white tv in Canada I knew the broadcast was initiated in the U.S. But at the time, our border was so friendly that I am not sure I recognized any differences between the two countries. Watching the program began a long standing positive connection between myself and my American neighbours.

Winnipeg Manitoba where I grew up, is 60 miles from the U.S. border and 210 miles (about a three and a half hour drive) from Fargo North Dakota. During my first year of university the Canadian dollar was worth $1.35 US. As a cash strapped student I was always looking for bargains so the fact of a 35% discount on any purchases was alluring. Ever economically frugal, I enlisted a girlfriend to share the gas expenses and drive to the booming city of Fargo. So trusting was our countries’ relationship the only identification needed to enter the U.S. was a Canadian driver’s license. This expedition created a regular routine of U.S. travel that has recently included a yearly visit to NYC with good friends to not only go on a spending spree but to visit museums and see fantastic Broadway shows. Such a lovely tradition.

I love Canada and am extremely proud to be a Canadian. But I confess to a strong dislike for the Canadian sub-zero winters. Like many of our compatriots my husband and I have become “snowbirds ” spending much of the winter in Palm Desert. Who would not enjoy the temperate weather in the region and the opportunity to never buy or wear snow boots again? I have always felt comfortable in the desert and have met so many Americans that I call good friends. We seem to share similar approaches to life and enjoy trading “true life adventure” stories. It has seemed to me that we are kissing cousins.

The U.S. Canadian border is the world’s longest undefended boundary. It is protected by agreement not by force. That says a great deal about the respect and comradarie between the two nations. I guess you could say the current closure is the new “ protection”. The real fear generated by the Corona virus has challenged the border agreement. But if history is any indication of the future then I am confident the open border will be restored. I can hardly wait!

So if today Bob Smith would query: What time is it? I would reply: It is time to work together to reopen the U.S. – Canadian border safely!