Welcome to the Chamber Connection, highlighting important information on what’s happening at the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce. On this page, we highlight the chamber advocacy and recent chamber news and events and share important updates from our regional business community. We hope you find this information helpful and informative! Thank you for supporting the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2023
The H2-B status allowed Point Roberts businesses to utilize non-citizen employees, especially Canadians, during our peak season. Our geographical location is far from mainland Washington State and close to Canada, so this program benefited our economy significantly. However, with the border shut down for 19 months (March 2020 – October 2021), our businesses have struggled to survive due to a lack of workforce. Currently, they are operating with limited hours, and with the upcoming summer season, we estimate the need for 30 part-time employees to increase to 60 within a month. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, local workers moved back to Washington, leading to a workforce shortage for these service positions. Therefore, restoring this program will have a significant impact on our economy.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2022
Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce President Brian Calder believes there are solutions to this situation and calls on Federal and State governments to work with Canadian authorities and exclave communities on a complete and thorough post-mortem for all exclaves along the US – Canada border. Ideally, he would like a detailed analysis completed for each exclave that will prioritize cross-border access for the following in the event of a future pandemic or other global emergencies.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2022
Senator Simon Sefzik, R-Ferndale, 42nd Legislative District, is coming to Point Roberts for a tour and meeting with chamber directors and local businesses on Thursday, July 14th. This is Senator Sefzik’s first visit to Point Roberts, and he is very interested in hearing from the Point Roberts business community. The community’s invited to attend the community meeting at the Point Roberts International Marketplace at 480 Tyee Drive at 2:30 p.m.
Please email the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce at info@pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com with questions you would like the chamber to ask the senator.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2022
Point Roberts, a small community of approximately 850 residents, is completely dependent on essential and other services provided by businesses located in Mainland Washington State and British Columbia, Canada.
Since Canada’s introduction of the ArriveCan app in late 2021, business owners in both Washington State and British Columbia have refused to travel to Point Roberts to perform critical services, citing onerous border requirements to enter Canada.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2021
The US Department of Transportation border crossing statistics at the Point Roberts border crossing paint a stark reality of the economic devastation that has plagued the community since the border closures at the onset of the pandemic – economic devastation that is getting little, if any attention from the US Government.
IN THE NEWS
Senator Murray: “I’m here on the Senate floor today to make sure that President Biden and his administration understand me. At the very least, we need an emergency exemption from these restrictions for the Point Roberts community—and that exemption is long overdue.”
ICYMI: Senator Murray Calls on Homeland Security Secretary to Grant Border Exemption for Point Roberts – MORE HERE
CYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Continued Northern Border Closure – MORE HERE
September 24, 2021
I am writing to urge immediate action to provide relief to residents of my state who are uniquely impacted by the ongoing restrictions on non–essential travel through land and ferry crossings by Canadians into the United States. Additionally, clarity from your administration is badly needed to understand the circumstances and conditions necessary to permit entry into the United States via these crossings
Petition for ArriveCAN App Exemption for American & Canadian Businesses
Petition to the Cabinet of the Government of Canada to Draft an Order in Council for Consideration by the Governor in Council, Providing an ArriveCan App Exemption for American and Canadian Business Representatives Performing Services in Point Roberts, WA.
From Peace Arch Border Crossing (Douglas Crossing), head north on BC-99 to BC-17. Follow BC-17 to 56th Street, turn left on 56th Street (south) to US/Canada border crossing at Point Roberts, WA. SEE BORDER CROSSING INFO.