Making good on an election promise, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has enacted a vaccine mandate for federally regulated industries in Canada, including on air and rail travelers.
The new rules require passengers aged 12 and older on planes, trains and cruise ships within the country to be fully vaccinated as of October 30.
Individuals who are in the process of being inoculated will be able to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel during a transition period, which will end of November 30.
Trudeau said in August that his government would make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for travelers, transportation workers and federal employees.
More than 71% of Canada’s population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 56% in the U.S., according to Statistics Canada.
Canada has two major domestic airlines, Air Canada and WestJet Airlines. State-run Via Rail provides train services.
The new policy also applies to all federal employees, who will need to attest to having been vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of October or face being suspended without pay by mid-November.
Trudeau also said his government would soon issue an order mandating vaccination for all members of the country’s military.
