Starting on June 20, the federal government will suspend COVID-19 vaccinate requirement for domestic and outbound international travellers, federally-regulated transportation employees, federal employees.."Today's announcement is possible because Canadians have stepped up to protect each other. We are now able to adjust our policy because we have followed consistently, the best advice from public health authorities," said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc..The announcement comes after weeks of opposition parties and industry organizations pressuring the federal government to lift the restrictions, which have contributed to long lines and delays at airports..This change will allow unvaccinated Canadians to board planes and trains travelling within the country or to international locations. But travellers will still be required to follow rules around testing and quarantine upon re-entry from international destinations..Foreign nationals coming to Canada will also still be required to be vaccinated in order to enter, though they can depart the country if they are unvaccinated..The vaccine mandate for federal employees, including the federally-regulated transport sector, will also end on the same day, allowing unvaccinated employees that were suspended without pay to return to work..But LeBlanc said if the situation "takes a turn for the worse" in the fall, the Liberal government is "prepared to bring back the policies necessary to protect Canadians."."We don't regret at all being cautious when it comes to a virus that has tragically killed 1000's of Canadians, and we will always continue to be cautious," he said..Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said "it's clear that the COVID situation is not the same now as it was last fall when we implemented the vaccine mandate for travelers and transport workers.".Alghabra said mask mandates will remain for Canadians travelling on planes or trains, as they are effective at reducing virus transmission and are a "minor inconvenience to ask of travelers who are sitting together in a small tight space.".Alghabra said travellers will also need to continue using ArriveCAN app, which the International Air Transport Association has said is contributing to delays at airports..The federal government did not announce the lifting of vaccine mandates for truckers, or the suspension of the the 14-day mandatory quarantine period for truckers crossing the border.Alghabra said that the "vast majority" of truckers were vaccinated, adding trucking volume at the border has not been impacted by the restrictions..Treasury Board President Mona Fortier said employees of the core public administration, including the RCMP, will no longer be required to be vaccinated as a condition of employment. .Fortier said employees who were placed administrative leave without pay as a result of their companies' vaccination policies will be "contacted by their managers to resume regular duties with pay.".She said vaccine mandates for employees of separate agencies, Crown corporations, governor and council appointments, and contractors would also be suspended.."The government will continue to closely monitor domestic and international scientific evidence to access the need for appropriate public health measures, including a reintroduction of vaccine mandates if necessary," she said..Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said when it came to vaccine mandates, the context had changed. He said Canadians now benefit from better levels of immunity from both vaccination and natural immunity gained through infection, widely available anti-viral drugs, and decreasing hospitalization rates. .But Duclos warned that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 had showed two doses are "no longer enough" to provide immunity.."It is therefore essential that all Canadians understand the importance of following the recommendations of public health authorities and staying up to date with their vaccination," Duclos said.."In simple terms, this means as if you are eligible for a third or even a fourth dose under the recommendations of public health officials, you should receive it as soon as possible."
