Air Canada said employees who continue to work remotely must return to the office starting on November 15 and be fully vaccinated, as COVID-19 cases decline across the country.
In a written statement, Air Canada’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Rousseau cited Canada’s high vaccination rate as part of the airline’s rationale for bringing workers back now.
"For individuals, companies or any organization to achieve their full potential requires personal connections and interactions," Rousseau said. "This makes the return of Canadians to the workplace a necessary step in the recovery of our society and economy."
Almost 74% of Canada’s population has been fully vaccinated, according to data compiled by Health Canada. That compares with nearly 76% in Air Canada’s home province of Quebec, which has been gradually lifting restrictions at restaurants and theatres.
All employees and visitors need to be fully vaccinated to enter company buildings, and staff will be "strongly encouraged" to wear a face mask when outside of personal workspaces, the airline said.
