When the Girl Guides of Canada announced the suspension of all travel to the United States, the ripple spread beyond a handful of postponed excursions—signalling a profound unease at the border for youth groups rooted in inclusion and safety.
The Girl Guides’ decision, effective September 1, arrived after what the organization described as “careful consideration.” Directly citing recent U.S. border restrictions and their uneven application, especially on members with citizenship beyond Canada, the organization moved to protect its core principle: that every girl, regardless of background, must be able to participate equally and securely.
At the heart of the matter are new U.S. policies, including a travel ban targeting citizens from twelve African and Middle Eastern nations. These restrictions, combined with heightened scrutiny at border crossings and the risk of detention if entry is denied, cast a shadow over the Girl Guides’ cross-border programs. The federal government’s traveller advisory now urges candour and caution, warning Canadians to expect questioning and searches at ports of entry.
For the Girl Guides, these developments are more than bureaucratic obstacles. The organization’s ethos demands that all members—regardless of passport—should attend events and trips without discrimination or fear. With previously approved American trips rerouted to other countries, the Guides are determined to preserve the integrity of their programming, even as uncertainty lingers about when, or if, normal travel might resume.
The Girl Guides’ move reflects a broader pattern. School districts in British Columbia and elsewhere have placed similar bans on U.S. field trips, citing border unpredictability and the desire to avoid negative experiences for students. Academics and business travellers have also begun to steer clear. Statistics Canada’s data reveals a sharp drop in cross-border visits this year: returns by car falling by over a third, with air travel also down significantly.
While policies shift and political climates evolve, one fact remains: the Girl Guides of Canada are unwilling to compromise the safety or inclusivity of their members. Their response stands as a measured act of protection and principle amid rising border tensions.
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Girl Guides of Canada suspends U.S. trips over restrictions, safety concerns
