Despite previously clearly stating that travellers who cannot submit ArriveCAN prior to entering Canada can skip it and provide info verbally, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino appears to be waffling on the relaxed regulation.
Earlier this week, Mendicino made this statement to the House:
"With regards to ArriveCAN, I want to assure my colleagues that I've spoken with the (Canada Border Services Agency) so that there's additional guidance to provide the opportunity for travellers to provide the information that is necessary on ArriveCAN in person at the borders.”
The comments came after members of Parliament brought up concerns over inaccessibility and unreliability of the app on 06DEC, particularly for those who have poor cell service or seniors without smartphones.
The next day, during a House of Commons question period, Minister Mendicino responded to similar concerns over travellers who are unable to submit the app and therefore required to quarantine, despite being fully vaccinated.
"The ArriveCAN app is one of the tools in the kit that we are using to ensure that we are screening returning Canadians for those who are vaccinated. It has been a mandatory requirement since the beginning and we will continue to communicate that, as well as introducing flexibility at the border where we can," Minister Mendicino said.
Minutes later, when responding to another member of Parliament, Mendicino said the country will “not compromise when it comes to health and safety.”
Apparently the Minister has no issue compromising on clarity. The switch from border services being fully briefed on allowing necessary information in person to “introducing flexibility where we can” leaves the country in a holding pattern - adding confusion to the existing chaos regarding regulatory changes.
Open Jaw has heard from advisors whose clients are encountering border service agents who have not heard of any relaxation in the ArriveCAN rules and must undergo quarantine.
It appears to be a coin toss at the moment, but Open Jaw will provide updates as we follow this story closely.
