Passengers at Terminal 1 at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport are photographed on May 25, 2022. Fred Lum / The Globe and Mail. Fred Lum / The Globe and Mail
The federal government is willing to suspend the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for domestic air and train travel, as well as for people leaving Canada by air.
The government will also stop the immunization warrant for federal employees, according to people familiar with the matter whom The Globe does not name because they are not allowed to speak publicly on the subject.
The suspension follows the government’s decision on Sunday to temporarily stop vaccinated passengers from being randomly tested for COVID-19. Unvaccinated travelers arriving from outside Canada will still have to take a test.
Passengers will still have to answer health questions and wear masks on board while not eating or drinking.
The vaccine’s mandate could be re-imposed if a new variant requires it, a source said.
The government is expected to make the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET.
Airports, airlines and the travel industry say COVID-19 rules are exacerbating staff shortages at a time when air travel is recovering, causing long delays at airport customs. luggage and security checkpoints.
Three public sector unions had filed complaints against the mandate saying it was no longer justified.
More to come.
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