This affects a number of FRC teams:
5036 (Waitlist spot)
188
1310
865
854
4914
5719
etc…
It also would include numerous FLL and VEX teams that are part of the TDSB
We may see similar policies put in place by surrounding school boards considering TDSB is the largest school board in Canada and the 4th largest in North America.
Can anyone put a dollar amount on the economic impact of missing out on these trips from Toronto schools would impact in the US? Translating this into dollars may be a good way to catch the eyes of certain local politicians within the US.
I’ll add that it’s important to remember that Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world. As the executive order was initially proposed and enforced before it was clarified, it would of disallowed numerous students, teachers and principals from travelling to the US who were full citizens of Canada and may of even been born in Canada (dual-citizens). There is likely more behind this decision than just an logistical issue.
For our team at least, just some rough numbers, we were planning on taking 25 members. They are each paying $450 for lodging, plus transportation but that is through a Canadian bus line, although that bus would also be fueling in the United States, and there’s likely some tax for bringing passengers over the border.
Food, estimated at $50 per person.
Just doing the math, that equates to $12500.
Is that USD or CAD?
These are rounded numbers to the nearest USD. Not to mention, they’re on the conservative side, $50 can easily be food costs for a person per day, I’ve assumed it as a student spending $50 over 4 days…
sorry toronto is getting salty about america trying to be great again 
i am getting more tired of winning
Are we winning yet?
Hopefully this isn’t the case, but there could be a significant drop in the number of Canadian teams attending Champs this year…
FIRST will do their best to fill the events, losing a Canadian and back filling with an American team would have a net zero on impact to the host city (possibly country depending on how travel is arranged) and could be spun to be positive because it benefits an American team*. Vex and other competitions might do the same.
I’m interested in knowing what is legitimate. That could get political and school teachers should not have the burden of determining legitimacy.
*This is not my opinion, but there are spin artist that would make the argument.
Just host a third championship in Canada! #3champs?
Earlier this year, somethign similar happened where Iran wouldn’t allow people to come there from the U.S. as retaliation for the travel ban. United States athletes were almost unable to attend the World Wrestling Championships in Iran. Luckily, an exception was made for the traveling athletes.
I hope this affects as few teams as possible, or maybe the Toronto school board will reconsider in time for the championship.
FIFY
-Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver’s License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST).
-U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.
I suggest reading this article Rejection rate on the rise for Canadians at U.S. border - The Globe and Mail
It’s important to note that Canada does not share the same experiences with illegal immigration as the USA as we only share a cross-able land border with the USA. Canadian citizens illegally immigrating to the USA is a very rare occurrence so the chances of rejection at the US/Canada border was quite low.
The travel ban sucks.
Wanna ruin this, add politics.
Why not just move the existing championship(s) to Canada? Then everyone could attend.
If you follow the same nationalist political zeitgeist (“trade deficits”) that led to these policies, having Canadian money flow into the US would be viewed as the net economic positive.
After much consultation and thought, and because at this time, no Executive Order is in place, we have reached the decision that school trips to the U.S. that have already been approved — will be allowed to proceed to ensure that students do not miss out on these opportunities.
Hopefully the teams have gotten their trips approved, there might still be a chance for them to compete.
Ontario switched to a district system this season, so only prequalified teams or fortunate early wait list approvals would already know that they could compete at Championship.
Many teams get trips to Champs pre-approved just in case they do qualify. This avoids the need for last minute signatures to try and get a trip approved on short notice. Hopefully that’s the case for at least some teams this year.