The federal government says it will end all COVID-19 measures at borders on Saturday, meaning travelers will no longer have to show proof of vaccination when entering Canada or wear masks on planes and trains.
From October 1, all travelers, regardless of their citizenship, will no longer have to:
- Submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
- Provide proof of vaccination;
- Submit to prior or arrival tests;
- Carry out a quarantine or isolation related to COVID-19;
- Monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival in Canada;
- Submit to health checks to travel by plane and rail;
- Or wear masks on planes and trains.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Monday’s decision is not a sign that Canada is out of the pandemic, but said government data showed the importation of new variants was no longer having an effect on the evolution of the virus in the country.
LOOK | Canada drops masks on planes and trains:
Canada drops masks on planes and trains
The Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, announces that from October 1 passengers on planes and trains will no longer have to wear a mask.
“If anyone thinks the pandemic is over, I invite them to visit a hospital,” he said.
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“This decision is again driven by the evidence we’ve seen over the past few weeks and months, which is that the transmission and cost of transmission of COVID-19 to our healthcare workers, hospitals and including those patients who have seen delays . in their surgeries and treatments over the last two and a half years … are now almost entirely driven by domestic transmission of COVID-19. That’s where we need to put our energy.”
The measures also apply to cruise ships, so passengers will no longer need to undergo pre-boarding tests, vaccinations or use ArriveCAN. The government said it would maintain guidelines to protect passengers and crew, in line with the United States.
The move comes after MPs and mayors from border towns last week published an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden calling on them to end “unnecessary” border rules, a move which they say would allow border communities to recover economically. of the pandemic
Travelers are pictured at YVR International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
On Monday, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said he’s glad the federal government is lifting all pandemic border measures, but fears American tourists will continue to avoid Canada in the future.
“This should have happened at the start of the tourist season. We were devastated here in Niagara Falls,” he said.
“A lot of the traveling public decided to go somewhere else last summer. Our concern is that they enjoyed themselves and want to continue.”
The head of the Airports Council of Canada said the organization is relieved to hear its members can return to normal operations.
“The aviation industry was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been forced to operate under a series of complicated and ever-changing restrictions and regulations for more than two years,” said President Monette Pasher in a press release.
LOOK | COVID-19 border measures fell ‘a little late’: Niagara Falls mayor
COVID-19 border measures fell ‘a little late’: Niagara Falls mayor
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati says he’s glad the federal government is lifting all pandemic border measures, but worries American tourists will continue to avoid Canada in the future.
Duclos said those concerns also weighed on the government’s decision to lift the measures.
“In making these decisions, we are aware of the challenges and the cost that border communities have endured over the past few weeks and months. It has been difficult for them,” he said.
“My colleagues and everyone in our caucus has heard that and listened to them.”
The health minister did not rule out reinstating restrictions if they are necessary to keep Canadians safe.
Masks are still recommended: Njoo
Although masks will soon no longer be mandatory, Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy director of health, said he still recommends that people wear masks on planes and trains.
“The science is clear: wearing a mask is clearly a means of personal protection that is extremely effective,” he said.
“I hope Canadians will make an informed decision on this.”
LOOK | One of Canada’s top doctors urges Canadians to keep wearing masks:
One of Canada’s top doctors encourages continued masking
Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy director of public health, is urging Canadians to continue wearing masks in “certain contexts” despite the latest removal of mask mandates.
Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino said the ArriveCan app can still be used by travelers to submit customs declarations in advance at major airports. This option is available at Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver International Airports, but there are plans to expand to Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Quebec, Halifax and Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport.
The government also said the Canada Border Services Agency is looking to add features to ArriveCan, such as border wait times.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was quick to claim the decision as a victory.
“After constant pressure from conservatives [and] people across Canada, the Trudeau Liberals finally backed down on the disastrous ArriveCAN application, unscientific vaccine mandates and forced mask use,” he tweeted on Monday.
“None of the science changes on October 1st, but because of you, Trudeau has to. Let’s keep it up.”
LOOK | Canada announces ease of border measures:
Canada announces the easing of border measures from October 1
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says Canada will lift the order in council on travel mandates starting today, meaning travelers can enter Canada without using ArriveCAN or having to isolate- or self-quarantine if they test positive for COVID-19.