The first - the PCR test requirement will be lifted on November 30th for fully vaccinated Canadians and Permanent Residents travelling on short trips 72 hours or less.

The second - that Health Canada approved vaccines for children 5-11 years old, with the first shipments arriving Sunday and about 2.9 million delivered by end of next week.

The third - Transport Minister Omar Alghabra noted he is working diligently on further expanding the list of airports that will take international flights.

First and foremost, the lifting of the PCR test is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of Canadians to the vaccination effort (one of the best in the world) and supporting public health measures.

At the same time, we have been meeting and talking with local stakeholders and constituents non-stop over the last two months and advocating directly with the key ministers and the Prime Minister's Office. That includes a key meeting in Windsor with Minister Omar Alghabra that we helped organize at the Windsor Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce where these concerns were communicated by local leaders.

It has been a total team Windsor-Tecumseh effort, and it shows once again how effective we are as a community when we pull together.

A careful and gradual approach to border and public health measures has always been our federal government's M.O. - guided by the best advice from public health officials. This sensible approach has kept our community and Canadians safe.

That prudent approach includes taking time to assess the situation before lifting the PCR test requirement from US and other international travelers. Presently, Michigan is the hotspot in the United States. Especially concerning is the significant rise in serious hospitalizations including children.

We will continue to assess, continue to listen, continue to advocate, and continue to respond.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend.