Canada announces COVID-19 vaccination deadline for air travellers

Canada has announced a deadline for when air travellers and federal workers must prove they’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

All plane and train passengers will need to prove they’re vaccinated starting October 30, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday.

There will be a brief period where one dose is acceptable, but only legitimate medical exemptions such as allergy to vaccine ingredients will be allowed once the rules go into place.

Everyone trying to board a plane or train will need two doses by the end of November.

“These are measures to protect children flying on planes who do not yet have access to vaccines,” Trudeau said.

As of October 30th, people on planes and trains must be fully vaccinated. For a brief period, those in the process of getting vaccinated can show a negative molecular COVID-19 test. But by the end of November, everyone must be fully vaccinated – testing will not be an option.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 6, 2021

Federal government workers must also be fully vaccinated by the end of the month or face being put on administrative leave without pay, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced.

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“We want to ensure the Government of Canada sets an example and establishes a vaccination policy that protects everyone’s safety,” Freeland said.

The new rules apply to RCMP staff, Canada Border Services Agency employees, and correctional officers.

Staff who don’t submit their proof of vaccination by October 29 could be placed on unpaid leave as soon as November 15.