This article was written by David Frum, a Canadian born journalist who lives in the US and writes for The Atlantic. I always enjoy his work. David's mom was the late Barbara Frum, a former journalist on the CBC. I loved her interviews. David moved to Washington and was a speechwriter for President George W. Bush. He's a senior editor at The Atlantic and a frequent contributor on MSNBC.
It's great to hear how a Canadian returning to Canada is treated at the US/Canada border. It's even better to hear about the follow up! When you see a foreign license plate in Canada, they could be Canadians, living in the US coming home. Apparently a lot of dual citizens have returned to Canada.
I reached the Canadian border on the Fourth of July.
Usually, the Thousand Islands crossing station between New York and Ontario is busy on summer weekends. Not this time. Eight of the nine lanes were closed, and only one car waited ahead of me in the single open queue.
Despite the light traffic, I waited a while for my inspection—and when it was my turn, the car behind me waited a while too. In mask and gloves, an official inspected my Canadian birth certificate, asked whether I was transporting any weapons, then probed my plans for the 14 days of self-isolation required after entering Canada.
What would I do for groceries?
How would I walk my two dogs on the trip?
Did I understand Ontario’s masking rules?
At what phone number could I be reached during my self-isolation?
Over the next two weeks, that number would receive texts, robocalls, and a live call from Canadian health services. The robocalls delivered motivational messages. They thanked me for keeping Canada safe. After the midpoint of the isolation, they cheerfully ticked off the remaining days: Only four to go! Only three! Only two! The live calls—my wife and I each got one—focused more on our well-being. Did we have enough food? Were we lonely or depressed? Did we need anyone to deliver anything to us? (I’m pleased to report that the caller I spoke with was a reader of The Atlantic.)
