Travel Advisory Sparks Concerns

In a remarkable shift, several prominent Canadian institutions are advising their employees to steer clear of travel to the United States. This reflects a worrying decline in trust between the two neighboring countries, particularly in light of escalating tensions.

Children's Hospital Takes Action

The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), one of Canada's leading pediatric hospitals, has issued a strong recommendation against U.S. travel. CEO Vera Etches expressed concerns over increasing volatility, urging staff to refrain from crossing the border for now. A memo detailing this advisory has been confirmed by hospital representatives.

Pension Fund Restricts U.S. Business Travel

Meanwhile, Alberta Investment Management Corp., responsible for managing a staggering CAD 180 billion in assets, has also taken precautionary measures. Employees are now prohibited from undertaking non-essential trips to the U.S. This means no attending conferences or speaking engagements, although essential board meetings may still proceed.

Safety Measures for Necessary Travel

For those who absolutely must travel, CHEO and the University of Waterloo are providing guidelines to safeguard sensitive information. Staff at CHEO have been advised to log out of all hospital applications, ensure no confidential patient data is stored on devices, and even change passwords following any border inspections.

Introducing 'Burner Phones' for Peace of Mind

Concerned about invasive customs practices, CHEO has recommended that staff leave their primary devices at home. Instead, employees are encouraged to utilize 'burner phones'—devices with minimal personal data. This precaution aims to protect sensitive information in light of U.S. Customs’ rights to inspect electronic devices comprehensively.

Clean Laptops for University Travelers

The University of Waterloo is also stepping in to help their travelers, offering 'clean' laptops designed for secure access while preventing any data retention. This initiative ensures that sensitive information remains protected, regardless of the travel destination.

U.S. Customs Scrutiny Intensifies

In recent months, the Canadian government has issued a warning to citizens about heightened scrutiny at U.S. borders, suggesting that individuals should prepare for possible searches of their mobile phones and other devices. This advisory comes in the wake of incidents, such as a French scientist being denied entry allegedly due to opinions expressed about U.S. policies.

Increasing Global Concern

The advisories from Canadian institutions are part of a broader trend as countries increasingly recognize the importance of protecting their citizens and sensitive information while traveling abroad. With these measures in place, Canadian executives are clearly prioritizing the safety and security of their staff.