Canada to introduce vaccine passports by early fall

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Canada announced Wednesday that the federal government will introduce vaccine passports for foreign travel this fall.

The passports will include information on what vaccines were used, the date of inoculations and where the doses were received.

"For Canadians who decide to travel, using a proof of vaccination will provide foreign border officials with the vaccination history needed to assess whether a traveler meets their public health requirements and provide a trusted and verifiable credential for when they return home," said a statement from Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino.

He also said that Canada is working with other countries so that the digital passports will allow Canadians to enter their territory.

During a virtual discussion Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Among the topics discussed were the proof of vaccination passports, including the EU Digital COVID Certificate, said a statement from the prime minister's office obtained by Anadolu Agency. No further details were made available.

The federal government must discuss the passports with the country’s 10 provinces and three territories, since the latter keep the records on vaccinations.

A few individual provinces made announcements regarding vaccine passports within their boundaries.

Manitoba said it will issue proof-of-vaccination cards to residents, Nova Scotia promised a ScotiaPass for residents and that organizations can use to control access to their businesses, while Alberta said it will not introduce any passport system, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported.

In Quebec, a system using a smartphone app will be introduced in September. Without the app as proof of vaccinations, entry to non-essential businesses such as restaurants and bars will be refused, the CBC reported.

Already in place are rules governing those coming into Canada. Travelers must be immunized with a vaccine recognized by Canada at least 14 days before arrival. Although the rule to quarantine is no longer in effect, they must also have a quarantine plan just in case.