OTTAWA — The Federal Government of Canada is planning to create vaccine passports for international travel by early fall. The document will certify Canadians’ COVID-19 vaccine history and will be digital, with a paper option also available.
In a news conference last week, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino says the passport will include data on the type of vaccines received, the dates and the location they were administered.
“I want to take a moment to thank all Canadians who’ve rolled up their sleeves over these past months,” says Mendicino. “As more and more are getting vaccinated they’re planning for life in a post-vaccinated world, including the safe return to travel.”
Since mid-July, travellers coming into Canada have already been uploading their vaccination status to the ArriveCAN app. However, the new digital passport will use data provided by the provinces and territories, who hold the records of their residents.
Currently, the vaccine passport is not intended for domestic use, but the option is there if provinces choose to do so. While most provinces have been open to the idea, Ontario and Alberta have both said they will not provide provincial vaccine passports.
“We’ve been encouraging the federal government for months to implement a single, national travel document that’s recognized by our international allies. We’ll work with the federal government to make this happen and provide any necessary information in a safe and secure manner,” says Premier Doug Ford’s office spokesperson.
Additionally, with the border re-opened to fully vaccinated Americans last week, fully vaccinated foreign travellers are expected to be allowed in next month.
