“I’m just going to leave Buffalo from now on”

On August 13, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced that all air, provincial and cruise ship travelers must show proof of vaccination to board. Government-issued vaccine passports are already in the works for fully vaccinated Canadians who also plan to travel abroad starting this fall.

The new travel rule applies to passengers and travel industry workers. Exceptions to the policy will require screening and testing of travelers.

With a fourth wave in play, places such as government offices, colleges and universities are requiring people to show proof of vaccination, but Canada says it wants to go a step further with a mandatory proof of vaccination rule in the sector transports.

“Canada’s vaccination rate is among the best in the world, but to protect ourselves and each other from the virus and its variants, we must do better,” Alghabra said.

Domestic airlines such as WestJet and Air Canada have committed to working with the government to establish vaccination rules to combat COVID-19.

“Since the start of the pandemic, Air Canada has continually advocated and adopted science-based measures to ensure the safety of its customers and employees. This includes encouraging its employees to get vaccinated, setting up workplace clinics and supporting community vaccination programs to make vaccinations more frequent. widely accessible,” specifies the Air Canada press release.

“We continue to be a strong partner in Canada’s vaccination rollout and are working diligently to implement the government’s policy on mandatory vaccines for airline employees,” said Mark Porter, Executive Vice-President , WestJet People and Culture.

“Vaccinations are the most effective way to keep our customers and employees safe while stopping the spread of COVID-19. »

Canadians divided on travel vaccine rule

Some Canadians are happy with the new rule that allows them to travel safely and will help revive the travel industry.

“This #FullyVaccinated Canadian is excited to hear it. Can’t wait to travel on Via Rail,” Kelly tweeted.

People are wondering why it took so long to put this rule in place, but they are happy with the decision made now because it will protect Canadians.

“This is really awesome news. I don’t know why it took so long,” Eric Bunny Blair tweeted. “Our governments were naive to think that enough people would get vaccinated without strong incentives. Some people are simply too selfish to be trusted to fulfill their civic duty.”

While some agree that proof of vaccination and vaccine passports should be mandatory for Canadians, others do not think so.