On August 13, 2021, Canada’s Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra announced that the federal government will require COVID-19 vaccine policies for federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors.
As of November 1, 2021, public servants including staff working in government buildings of federally regulated transportation sectors must be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19. Travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, as well as travellers departing from Canadian airports will also be required to be fully-vaccinated.
Until November 30, 2021, individuals who are not fully-vaccinated are able to provide a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel, as an alternative. After this date, travellers who are not fully-vaccinated are at risk of not qualifying for travel. There are some exemptions, which include but are not limited to medical conditions, religious exceptions and/or an accommodation under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Once the pan-Canadian proof of vaccination is released to the public, it will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Until then, please follow your provincial guidelines to obtain your COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate.
Transport Canada will aim to ensure compliance including inspections and enforcement tools. For example, in the air sector, individuals—either travellers or employees—could be fined up to $5,000 per violation under the Aeronautics Act, and operators could be fined up to $25,000 per violation. Employees who are unable to work because of this new policy will not qualify for employment insurance benefits.
| VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYEES | VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELLERS |
The vaccination requirement applies to:
Each organization will be required to implement a rigorous policy, which must:
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The vaccination requirement applies to all travellers 12 years of age and older who are:
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