Members of the Legislative Assembly from the Madawaska and Restigouche regions are optimistic that they will soon see the re-establishment of the bubble with their neighboring regions of Témiscouata and Avignon-Bonaventure.
“Like many New Brunswickers, I am happy to see that the Maritime Bubble will likely be re-established in April, but it is not the only bubble that needs to be considered. The Liberal caucus has been pushing for government to also look at opening the Témiscouata and Avignon-Bonaventure bubbles, and the discussions are promising” said Francine Landry MLA for Madawaska Les Lacs-Edmundston and Liberal Caucus Chair.
“The number of cases in both these regions of Québec remain very low and the province of Québec has significantly ramped-up its vaccination program. I am hopeful the people of Edmundston and Madawaska will soon be able to safely visit their loved ones right across the border in Témiscouata” says Jean-Claude D’Amours, MLA for Edmundston-Madawaska Centre.
When talks of re-establishing the maritime bubble began earlier this month, the interim Leader of the Official Opposition, Roger Melanson, wrote a letter on behalf of the Liberal caucus urging the government to also consider re-establishing the Témiscouata and the Avignon-Bonaventure bubbles.
“The family, business and tourism ties between the Restigouche and Avignon-Bonaventure regions are vital. We are one community divided by a bridge. I am very optimistic both provincial governments understand the importance of this bubble and open it up as soon as possible” says Gilles LePage, MLA for Restigouche West.
“New Brunswickers across the province have made significant sacrifices and have contributed to the fights against Covid-19, they all deserve to benefit equally from these efforts. We must provide a similar opportunity for cross-border travel as is being considered with Nova Scotia and PEI. Our southern and northern borders should not be treated differently, and I trust Government will recognize that” says Guy Arseneault, MLA for Campbellton-Dalhousie.