Cross border school trips into the United States will continue as planned for students across the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows School District, for now.
SD42 has not cancelled any upcoming field trips to the U.S., confirmed Irena Pochop, a spokesperson for SD42, and the district will continue to follow established procedures for Level 2 field trips which includes all international travel.
"This procedure guides decision-making from the planning stage through to final approval and includes a requirement to consult the Government of Canada’s travel advisories," advised Pochop.
And, she noted, the advisory for travel into the United States remains at the lowest level, which is, "Take normal security precautions.”
Surrey Schools, the largest school district in the province, announced on Wednesday they were putting a pause on future United States travel, citing the safety of students and staff.
"Many of our students come from diverse, racialized backgrounds and are not Canadian citizens, and could experience visa issues," said Surrey Schools spokesperson Avi Gill.
"We have asked schools and principals to pause planning new trips to the U.S. and cancel any that are unpaid or not fully planned," said Gill, noting that they are closely following the Government of Canada's updated travel guidance, and look forward to resuming student trips in the future..
Only days ago the Government of Canada updated their warnings about visiting the United States, advising citizens that U.S. border guards have the authority to search electronic devices, which include cell phones, tablets, and laptops, without any reason.
"Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders and the Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements for the United States," the Government of Canada warned. And the agency noted border agents have significant discretion making those determinations.
"Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation,' read the travel advisory.
Pochop noted that as part of the planning process, the district works closely with schools, staff, and families to ensure that all travellers have the appropriate documentation and meet all requirements for border crossing.
So, previously approved trips are proceeding as planned.
"These trips are voluntary, extracurricular in nature, and families continue to make informed decisions about their participation," said Pochop.
However, she added the district is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to review any updates to the travel advisory as part of their ongoing risk assessment process.
For more information on the procedure for international field trips in SD42 go to: https://www.sd42.ca/assets/media/SD42-Procedure-8901.2-Level-2-Field-Trips-Including-Extra-Curricular-Activities.pdf.
