Federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate: Here’s what we know, what we don’t
Global News
The official announcement came from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday and included mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for travel within Canada
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required by no later than the end of October for all employees in Canada’s federally regulated workplaces. And, by mid-November, enforcement measures in place will make sure the requirement is implemented.
The official announcement came from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday and included mandatory vaccination for travel within Canada. Since making the promise to do so back in August, Treasury Board officials have been sketching out specifics of the plan with unions, including holding discussions on consequences for workers who refuse vaccination.
Here’s a look at what we know about the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate so far.
Starting Oct. 30, the new policy requires vaccinations for anyone 12 years or older wishing to board a plane or a train in Canada, barring narrow medical exceptions.
This is not specific to federal employees — it includes all passengers flying on domestic, transborder or international flights departing from airports in Canada, and rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains. Marine passengers on non-essential passenger vessels, like cruise ships or voyages extending 24 hours or more, must also be vaccinated.
“Testing will no longer be an option before boarding,” Trudeau clarified at a news conference.
“For the vast, vast majority of people, the rules are very simple,” he continued. “To travel, you’ve got to be vaccinated.”
“These travel measures, along with mandatory vaccination for federal employees, are some of the strongest in the world. Because when it comes to keeping you and your family safe, when it comes to avoiding lockdowns for everyone, this is no time for half measures,” he added.
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