441-00695 (Civil and human rights)

The Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was implemented in the fall of 2021 when vaccination provided a high degree of protection against infection and transmission of COVID-19 viruses. This approach served as an effective public health measure to protect public servants and the communities they worked in.  All employees have had access to Public Health Agency of Canada/Health Canada information about vaccines and how they work so they could understand how vaccination helps protect them and their workplaces against COVID-19.

The Policy is compliant with legislation, including the Privacy Act, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and collective agreements. On October 21, 2021, the Canadian Human Rights Commission published a guide on vaccination policies and human rights, which states that “Rights are not absolute. […] Requiring that an individual be vaccinated to work or travel is not a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Vaccination requirements are not a discriminatory practice because they are intended (and are necessary) to protect public health and safety.” The Policy provides for addressing requests for accommodation based on any prohibited ground of discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act, on a case-by-case basis.

Based on the evolving nature of the pandemic and the scientific data, the Government of Canada announced on June 14^th, 2022 that it would suspend vaccination requirements for federal government employees, and effective June 20, 2022, employees of the core public administration would no longer be required to be vaccinated as a condition of employment. Consequently, employees who had been placed on administrative leave without pay as per the Policy, could be reinstated as early as June 20, 2022.

The decision to suspend the Policy was based on the latest scientific evidence related to vaccine effectiveness against transmission and infection with evolving COVID-19 variants. Suspending the Policy allows the Government to easily reinstate it as needed, based on science and public health risk, in the future. 

In recognition of the critical nature of the transportation sector for Canadians and for the economy, the Government of Canada has been committed to keeping it safe and secure since the onset of the pandemic.

Throughout the pandemic, on the advice, guidance, and recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Government of Canada, including Transport Canada, put in place a range of measures to mitigate transportation safety and security risks associated with COVID-19. Transport Canada has worked closely with federal partners, provinces and territories and the transportation industry to implement the comprehensive set of targeted and calibrated measures.

These measures have evolved throughout the pandemic, based on the best available science, as well as guidance from PHAC, have made a real difference in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, and have kept Canadian travellers and transportation workers safe, ensuring the safety and resiliency of the Canadian transportation system.

Vaccine Mandate in the Transportation Sector: On June 20th, 2022, the Government of Canada suspended vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound travel and for federally regulated transportation sectors; vaccination is no longer a requirement to board a plane or train in Canada. In addition, employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine sectors are no longer required to have mandatory vaccination policies in place for employees. 

Border Measures: Effective October 1, 2022, the Government of Canada removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada. In effect, as of October 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:

• submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
• provide proof of vaccination;
• undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
• carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
• monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.

COVID-19 Requirements in the Transportation Sector: In alignment with PHACs adjustments to border measures, Transport Canada also removed all existing travel requirements as of October 1, 2022. As such, as of October 1, travellers are no longer required to undergo health checks for air and rail travel, or wear masks on planes and trains. Although the masking requirement is lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to continue wearing high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys. Cruise measures were also lifted, and travellers are no longer required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines remain in place to protect passengers and crew, which align with the approach used in the United States.

The Government of Canada will continue to evaluate measures and will not hesitate to make adjustments based on the latest public health advice and science to keep Canadians and the transportation system safe and secure.

The Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for their engagement on this issue.

Throughout the pandemic, the Government of Canada’s response has been informed by expert advice and sound science and research. As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, so too have public health measures and advice, which includes vaccination requirements that were always meant to be a temporary measure.

As of June 20, 2022, the Government of Canada suspended vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound travel, federally regulated transportation sectors and federal government employees. Furthermore, the Government has announced that it is no longer moving forward with proposed regulations under Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code to make vaccination mandatory in all federally regulated workplaces.

Additionally, as of October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements, including vaccination, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, and any testing and quarantine/isolation requirements ended for all travellers entering Canada whether by land, air or sea.

While the suspension of vaccine mandates reflects an improved public health situation in Canada, the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve and circulate in Canada and globally. Vaccination continues to be one of the most effective tools to protect Canadians, including younger Canadians, our health care system and our economy. Everyone in Canada needs to keep up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses to get ready for the fall. The Government of Canada will continue to work with provinces and territories to help even more Canadians get the shots for which they are eligible.

The Government of Canada also announced that masks are no longer required for travel within Canada starting October 1, 2022. Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.

The Government of Canada will not hesitate to make adjustments based on the latest public health advice and science to keep Canadians safe. This could include an up-to-date vaccination mandate at the border, the re-imposition of public service and transport vaccination mandates, and the introduction of vaccination mandates in federally regulated workplaces in the fall, if needed.