Today the Government of Canada released its mandatory vaccine policy.
It was announced that it will be mandatory for all federal public servants to be vaccinated.
Starting on October 30th, the government will require federal employers to establish vaccination policies for their employees.
Federal contractors, like cleaning staff, must also be fully vaccinated to enter government buildings.
The estimated 267 thousand employees covered by this policy must report their vaccination status by October 29th.
If employees haven't had their vaccine or received an accommodation under the Canadian Human Rights Act two weeks after that date, they could lose their job.
The employees who are affected by this mandate won’t have to produce their proof of vaccination documents.
Instead, they will have to sign a form, that will be audited by their managers, certifying that they've had the necessary shots.
If an employee submits a false statement it could result in termination.
Also effective on the 30th, travellers departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to travel.
There will be a short transition period for travellers who are in the process of being vaccinated.
These travellers will be able to travel if they can show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel.
The transition period ends on November 30th.
The government of Canada is advising any Canadians planning to travel by plane or train this Holiday season to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
A standardized, pan-Canadian proof of vaccination document for international travel is being developed.
