**U.S. Government Shutdown May Impact Canadian Travelers** The ongoing U.S. government shutdown could create significant challenges for Canadian travelers, according to a political science expert. Lewis Krashinsky, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, noted that while American airports and border crossings will remain operational, travelers should anticipate longer wait times and delays. The shutdown, which began at midnight on Wednesday, has led to mass furloughs of federal employees. Approximately 550,000 federal workers could be affected, with many departments relying on unpaid staff to maintain operations. "A government shutdown has many serious consequences, some that we can predict and others that we can’t. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be much optimism that this will be resolved quickly," Krashinsky stated. The Department of Transportation plans to furlough 23 percent of its employees, according to its contingency plan. Additionally, 55 percent of its workforce, including air traffic controllers, has been asked to work without pay. Krashinsky warned that if the shutdown continues, some of these workers may choose not to report to work, which could exacerbate travel issues for Canadians. He advised travelers to consider postponing trips to the U.S. and suggested exploring destinations within Canada instead. For Canadians already in the U.S., he recommended returning home sooner rather than later, noting that driving may be a more reliable option than flying. Immigration lawyer Rosanna Berardi emphasized that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is classified as an essential service, meaning land borders will remain open. However, she urged travelers to allow extra time for border crossings. "At U.S. Consulates in Canada, delays and potential closures may occur depending on staffing levels and available resources, which could affect visa appointments and document processing," Berardi explained. She added that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process applications, as it operates on fee-based funding. However, Canadians with pending petitions, such as H-1B visas or green card applications, may experience slower processing times. "The shutdown is another piece of the complex immigration puzzle from this Administration. It’s important for travelers to leave extra time for travel and be aware of any policy changes," Berardi said. Krashinsky also highlighted potential risks for Canadians currently in the U.S. during the shutdown. He noted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to furlough nearly 90 percent of its employees, which could hinder the monitoring of natural disasters and emergencies. Canadians planning to visit national parks in the U.S., such as Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park, may face significant reductions in services and support during this period. As the situation develops, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly to minimize disruptions during their journeys.