Just before Ottawa’s vaccine requirement for all federally-regulated transportation came into effect 30OCT, and the government’s ban on cruising in Canada expires 01NOV, Transport Canada provided more details about the new regulations in a news release.
Air and Rail Travellers
Transport Canada’s final orders went into effect 30OCT. They apply to all travellers over 12 years old.
- Air passengers flying on domestic, transborder, or international flights departing from certain airports in Canada; and
- Rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains
must be fully vaccinated, and show proof of vaccination to board.
There is a short transition period, however. Until 29NOV, travellers may show proof of a negative PCR (molecular) test to board. After the end of this month, however, failure to be fully vaccinated will result in a traveller being denied boarding.
Transport Canada says airlines and railways will be responsible for confirming the vaccination status of travellers.
Air and Rail Workers
In the days leading up to the vaccine deadline that also applies to workers in air and rail sectors, a number of operators issued statements about vaccinations among their employees.
Both Air Canada and WestJet say they’ve reached nearly full vaccination rates among their employees, with Air Canada saying 95 per cent of its workers are fully vaccinated, with WestJet even higher at 98 per cent. Workers who failed to confirm full vaccination were subject to possible termination.
As a result of the near-complete vaccination rates, Peter Fitzpatrick, spokesperson for Air Canada, reportedly confirmed the company would not face crew shortages or have to cancel flights due to the mandate.
Cruise Travel in Canada
Transport Canada’s news release on Friday also addressed cruise travel. The marine sector is included in Ottawa’s 30OCT requirement for both transportation workers and travellers to be fully vaccinated.
The federal government's ban on cruising in Canadian waters symbolically lifts 01NOV, in anticipation of operations resuming in spring 2022.
In its release, Transport Canada says it “continues to work with the cruise ship industry, and other domestic and international partners, to permit the safe re-opening of Canada to cruise ship travel in spring 2022, including the specific vaccination requirements for cruise ship passengers, and other health protocols.”
