During the Girl Guides of Canada’s 100th anniversary celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, a member proudly showed off a handmade keychain she created as part of the day’s activities. The Canadian Press
Girl Guides of Canada will stop all group trips to the United States starting next month. The decision affects both trips already approved and those planned for the future. Leaders say they made the choice to protect members from possible problems at the border.
Protecting Members Comes First
In a statement, the organization said it values safety and inclusivity above all else. The new U.S. travel restrictions could make entry difficult for members who are not Canadian citizens. Leaders worry these girls might be denied entry simply because of their nationality.
What Changed in U.S. Policy
The Trump administration recently expanded travel bans to include 19 countries. The rules now block citizens of those nations from entering the United States. This builds on an earlier travel ban that affected fewer countries during Trump’s first term.
Who the Girl Guides Are
The Girl Guides help girls and teens build skills, make friends, and give back to their communities. Trips are often a part of that learning. Leaders say travel should reflect their values of respect and fairness.
No End Date Yet
The organization has not said how long the travel suspension will last. For now, they will look for travel opportunities in Canada or other countries.
Fewer Canadians Visiting the U.S.
This change comes as overall travel to the U.S. by Canadians has dropped sharply. Government data shows return car trips fell over 38 percent in May compared to last year. Air travel between the two countries also dropped by more than 24 percent.
Scouts Canada Takes a Different Path
Scouts Canada, which shares similar values but is a separate group, still allows trips to the U.S. Leaders there say they are watching the situation closely. They encourage members to plan carefully and be aware of possible border issues.
