#Accelerationism Canada has announced new, wide-ranging mandatory vaccine measures for air, marine and rail travellers, some federal public servants, and some federal employers.
On 6 October 2021, the Canadian Federal Government announced much-anticipated, wide ranging new mandatory vaccine measures. Absent specific narrow exemptions:
Workers in the Core Public Administration must attest to being fully vaccinated by 29 October 2021 or face measures, up to and including unpaid leave of absence.
Federally regulated transportation sector employers in air, airport, airport service, rail and railway service, and specified marine operations must implement equivalent policies with vaccination attestations and other measures by 30 October 2021.
Effective 30 October 2021, passengers will also require proof of full vaccination to travel by air (domestically and internationally) from Canadian airports, and on specified federally regulated Canadian train and marine services.
New federal policy on COVID-19 vaccination
Under the Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, all federal public servants in the Core Public Administration (which includes Schedule I and Schedule IV departments under the Financial Administration Act), and the RCMP, must provide an attestation as to their full vaccination status by 29 October 2021. This mandate applies to all employees, including those who are teleworking, working remotely or attending government offices. Contractors who require access to federal government worksites to perform work must also be fully vaccinated, as must some internationally based public servants (based on Global Affairs Canada guidelines).
The Policy will not apply to members of the public receiving services (e.g. Service Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, Canada Revenue Agency) or members of the Canadian Armed Forces although the Department of National Defence is expected to issue a similar directive. Likewise, Crown Corporations (such as Canada Post, CBC/ Radio Canada) and separate Agencies are being asked to implement their own policies, which are expected to reflect this federal mandate. The Canadian government has indicated it will work with all federally regulated workplaces to ensure vaccination is prioritised for their workers.