Canadian Federal government to require vaccines for air and rail travelers

The federal government said Friday it will require air and train travellers, as well as public servants and workers in federally regulated industries, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced Friday that employees working in the federally regulated industries – including the air, rail and marine sectors – will be required to be vaccinated no later than the end of October.

“In addition, the vaccination requirement will also extend to certain travellers. This includes all commercial air travellers, passengers on interprovincial trains and passengers on large marine vessels with overnight accommodations such as cruise ships,” Alghabra said, adding that those who are unable to get vaccinated will be offered alternative accommodations such as testing and COVID-19 screening.

“Vaccine requirements in the transportation sector will help protect the safety of employees, their families, passengers, their communities and all Canadians.”

There are close to half a million people who work directly for the federal government, a Crown corporation, the military or the RCMP, and nearly a million more work in federally regulated industries, which include banks and airlines.

The move to require vaccinations of both airline employees and passengers has been welcomed by the Canadian airline industry.

The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC), which represents Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat and Jazz Aviation, said in a statement released Friday that the group is reviewing the government’s announcement “to fully understand the obligations placed on the sector.”