Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday that he is considering a mandatory vaccination policy for federal workers - and in federally-regulated industries.
Crucially for the travel industry, this would include air and rail travel.
Reports say any such mandate could be executed via the Clerk of the Privy Council, which regulates federal public service. There are approximately 300,000 Canadians in federal service.
"It is time that the 80 per cent of Canadians who are doing their duty towards their neighbours, towards their loved ones by getting vaccinated, be able to get back more and more to normal, get back more and more to regular life. For that, those who are hesitant: It's time to get your vaccine. They're safe, they're effective," Trudeau said during a press conference.
“We need to get vaccinated to get through this pandemic, particularly with all the real concerns around the Delta area variant we are facing that is striving hardest, obviously, in under-vaccinated and unvaccinated people,” Trudeau said.
In statements responding to the news, both WestJet and Via Rail said they’re already strongly recommending that their employees be vaccinated. The National Airlines Council of Canada says it has not yet heard from the government on its plans for mandatory vaccinations.
A Nanos Research study shows that 53 per cent of Canadians fully support mandatory vaccinations, while 21 per cent somewhat support such a policy.
This news also comes on the heels of a strike beginning today by federal government border workers. Vaccinations are not said to be a strike issue.
