The premier is not giving up his fight for a federal strategy to protect Ontario’s borders.

Premier Doug Ford says he’s been demanding action for months now, and claims he’s received no response from the prime minister.

Ford says a federal expert panel has even weighed in.

“They made one thing clear: the measures in place at Canada’s borders have failed Canadians,” Ford argues. “The rules are inconsistent. They’re full of loopholes. The federal government has been put on notice by its own experts.”

Ford says new, more dangerous variants pose a serious threat.

“We’ve seen the Indian variant go up in the last two weeks [by] 600%. Those are staggering, staggering numbers,” Ford claims. “I mentioned this to the prime minister. It was like, as far as he was concerned, there didn’t seem like there was a problem.”

He says what he calls the federal government’s inaction is unacceptable, and says it will be the feds’ fault if Ontario sees a fourth wave of COVID-19.

Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu has said the province has the power to ask for specific assistance to strengthen the border but claims the request has not been made.