Canada Unveils Vaccine Mandate For Travelers, Federal Employees

After managing to preserve Canada’s political status quo during last month’s “snap” federal election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has decided to use whatever political capital he gained from the experience to finally roll out his government’s vaccine mandate, which resembles that of its southern neighbor while going a step further in some important respects.

In part to try and jump-start stalled vaccination rates, Trudeau and his government are demanding that all public servants either get vaccinated, or face unpaid leave. This includes all federal workers “in the core public administration” and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Federal contractors including cleaning staff must be vaccinated to gain access to government buildings. The government is also asking all employees in federally regulated air, rail and marine transportation sectors must establish vaccination policies for their employees that effectively require vaccination.

What’s more, after Oct. 30, all travelers boarding planes, trains or any marine vessels will be required to have their shots. The above-mentioned workers have a few weeks to apply for exemptions – either religious or medical – but otherwise, they will be forced to choose between the jab, or losing their job. This travel mandate also applies to everyone over the age of 12.

Per the statement, “travelers will be responsible for declaring their vaccination status and providing documentation prior to boarding.”

Until Nov. 30, some exceptions will be made: “For travellers who are in the process of being vaccinated, there will be a short transition period where they will be able to travel if they can show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel.”- READ MORE