Canadian institutions urge caution over US travel risks
Some institutions in Canada have issued warnings regarding travel to the United States, highlighting the risks associated with unpredictable and potentially invasive customs inspections. Travellers are advised to exercise caution, including considering cancelling their trips.
Key information
- Canadian institutions such as CHEO advise against travelling to the USA.
- Employees are instructed on how to minimise risks during border inspections.
- The Canadian government has extended warnings regarding border controls.
Canadian institutions, including the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), warn against travel to the USA. The concern stems from unpredictable customs inspections that may include full access to electronic devices. Institutions recommend avoiding travel or using devices without personal data.
CHEO and Alberta Investment Management Corp. strongly advise against travelling to the USA. Employees are instructed to avoid business trips, except for board or investor meetings. These institutions also recommend logging out of apps and deleting sensitive data before travelling.
Canadian institutions suggest using prepaid mobile phones and laptops that do not contain personal data. The Faculty of Arts at the University of Waterloo provides such devices to its employees to minimise risks during inspections.
Tensions between the USA and Canada
Tensions between the United States and Canada are illustrated by the case of a French scientist who was denied entry to the USA. Although US authorities denied that the reason was his opinion on US policy, this situation underscores growing concerns over border inspections.
Canadian institutions are taking steps to protect their employees from unpredictable inspections at the US border. To minimise the risk during inspections, they recommend avoiding travel or using devices without personal data.
