2.15°C Vancouver

Jun 14, 2022 6:21 PM - The Canadian Press

Federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates suspended for domestic, outbound travellers

Share On
federal-covid-19-vaccine-mandates-suspended-for-domestic-outbound-travellers
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra says the Canadian government will suspend COVID-19 vaccine mandates for domestic and outbound international travellers and federally regulated workers. (Photo - Air Canada/Twitter)

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra says the Canadian government will suspend COVID-19 vaccine mandates for domestic and outbound international travellers and federally regulated workers.

The new rules will come into effect on June 20, though the requirements for foreign nationals coming to Canada will not change.

Intergovernmental affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc warns the government is prepared to ``bring back'' necessary policies if there's a resurgence of the virus in the fall.

Travel industry groups have blamed federal public health measures and mandates for slowdowns at airport customs that have contributed to long waits for passengers and forced flight delays and cancellations.

LeBlanc says the decision to drop the federal mandate is not a response to the situation at Canada's airports but rather is ``based on science.''

The change will also affect federal workers who have been put on unpaid leave because of their vaccination status.

Latest news

joly-argues-canada-fell-short-on-industrial-gains-from-f-35-deal
CanadaNov 18, 2025

Joly argues Canada fell short on industrial gains from F-35 deal

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said on Parliament Hill that Canada has not secured adequate economic returns from its contract to purchase U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jets. According to her, the government needs “more jobs created out of the F-35 contract.” Her remarks came as Swedish defence company Saab weighs establishing production in Canada to build its Gripen fighter jets — a proposal that could generate up to 10,000 Canadian jobs, Joly said. She added that Ottawa will carefully examine the offer. Canada has committed to buying 16 F-35A aircraft from Lockheed Martin as part of
man-dies-after-downtown-vancouver-stabbing-as-police-probe-citys-26th-homicide-of-the-year
BCNov 18, 2025

Man dies after downtown Vancouver stabbing as police probe city’s 26th homicide of the year

Vancouver police are investigating a fatal stabbing in the downtown core after a man was attacked near Granville and Helmcken streets Monday afternoon. Officers say they were called to the area around 3:15 p.m., where the victim was found with serious injuries. The man was taken to hospital but did not survive. Police have not released his identity, and no information on possible suspects or a motive has been made public. The killing marks Vancouver’s 26th homicide of the year, a figure that continues to draw concern in communities across the Lower Mainland where public safety has become a r
eci-seeks-explanation-from-punjab-police-chief-over-firs-linked-to-tarn-taran-bypoll
IndiaNov 18, 2025

ECI seeks explanation from Punjab police chief over FIRs linked to Tarn Taran bypoll

The Election Commission of India has directed Punjab’s Director General of Police to appear before the poll authority on November 25 after a series of police cases were filed against workers of the Shiromani Akali Dal during the Tarn Taran by-election campaign. Officials say the order was issued after the commission reviewed a detailed report submitted by the state police on November 13, one day before results were announced. According to information provided to the commission, nine FIRs were registered in separate police districts over the course of the campaign. The cases were lodged in Ta
abbotsford-police-probe-early-morning-shooting-tied-to-ongoing-extortion-investigation
BCNov 18, 2025

Abbotsford police probe early morning shooting tied to ongoing extortion investigation

Abbotsford police are examining an overnight shooting they believe is connected to a continuing extortion case affecting residents in the Fraser Valley. Officers were called to the 2500 block of Janzen Street shortly before 4 a.m. after reports of gunfire in a residential neighbourhood. Police say two vehicles parked in a driveway were hit by several rounds, but no one inside the home was injured. Investigators believe the property was intentionally targeted, reflecting a pattern seen in recent extortion-related incidents reported in parts of the Lower Mainland. Local police and community advo
report-warns-canada-risks-losing-skilled-newcomers-as-early-departures-persist
CanadaNov 18, 2025

Report warns Canada risks losing skilled newcomers as early departures persist

A new analysis from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship suggests Canada continues to face long-term challenges retaining the newcomers it admits each year. The study reports that roughly one in five immigrants leaves the country within 25 years of arrival, with most departures occurring during the first five years. The findings echo concerns raised in recent years by settlement agencies and provincial governments that have been working to improve support for newcomers. The annual “Leaky Bucket” report indicates that departures are most common among highly educated immigrants, including

Related News