Surrey, B.C.’s largest school district, has suspended all future field trips to the United States in response to rising political and security tensions that may impact students’ safety. Superintendent Mark Pearmain confirmed the decision, explaining that the district is prioritizing caution, especially for students who are not Canadian citizens or who may be in Canada on permanent residency cards or other permits.
Pearmain emphasized the need to protect all students, particularly those who could face difficulties or heightened scrutiny while crossing the border. As a result, schools within the district have been advised to explore local field trip opportunities within British Columbia or elsewhere in Canada instead of traveling to the U.S. This new direction extends to staff as well, with professional development initiatives encouraged to be kept within Canada to support the domestic economy and institutions.
The pause on U.S. travel affects a range of school activities including sports, music, dance, and other experiential or curriculum-based excursions. While these trips have traditionally been part of the student experience, Pearmain noted the need to reassess them in the current climate, advising staff to consider safer alternatives until the situation improves. All proposed field trips in Surrey Schools continue to require district-level approval.
Meanwhile, other districts are taking different approaches. The Vancouver School Board, for instance, has opted to maintain a case-by-case evaluation process. While not enforcing a blanket ban, VSB states that it closely monitors the political climate and weighs all safety and educational factors before approving any cross-border travel for students and staff.
These cautious measures come on the heels of recent changes to Canada’s official travel advisories for the United States. The federal government is now urging Canadians to be prepared for extensive scrutiny at U.S. entry points, which may include inspections of electronic devices and the possibility of detainment before deportation. Global Affairs Canada has warned that it cannot intervene in such cases, heightening concerns for school administrators and families alike.
With rising reports of Canadians being denied entry and detained at the border, Surrey Schools’ decision reflects a broader shift in how educational institutions are responding to geopolitical uncertainty. While there is hope for a return to normalcy, for now, the focus remains firmly on ensuring students’ safety closer to home.
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