A top Canadian tourism official says he’s heartbroken over news that the Trudeau government is extending current border measures for travellers entering Canada.
Christopher Bloore, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, said on Twitter (@ChrisBloore) that his “heart absolutely sank” when he read that current requirements for travellers arriving in Canada are likely to stay in place until at least September 30, 2022.
“The tourism industry has NOT recovered. Our border towns and RBT operators are at breaking point. Beyond disappointed and worried for the future,” he said.
Ottawa on Wednesday said that in addition to keeping current border measures in place, the pause of mandatory random testing will continue at all airports until mid-July, for travellers who qualify as fully vaccinated. The pause was put in place on June 11, 2022, and is allowing airports to focus on streamlining their operations, while the Government of Canada moves forward with its planned move of COVID-19 testing for air travellers outside of airports to select test provider stores, pharmacies, or by virtual appointment. Mandatory random testing continues at land border points of entry, with no changes.
Travellers who do not qualify as fully vaccinated, unless exempt, will continue to test on Day 1 and Day 8 of their 14-day quarantine.
Moving testing outside of airports will allow Canada to adjust to increased traveller volumes while still being able to monitor and quickly respond to new variants of concern, or changes to the epidemiological situation. Border testing is an important tool in Canada’s detection and surveillance of COVID-19 and has been essential in helping us slow the spread of the virus. Data from the testing program are used to understand the current level and trends of importation of COVID-19 into Canada. Border testing also allows for the detection and identification of new COVID-19 variants of concern that could pose a significant risk to the health and safety of Canadians. In addition, this data has and continues to inform the Government of Canada’s safe easing of border measures.
All travellers must continue to use ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours before their arrival in Canada, and/or before boarding a cruise ship destined for Canada, with few exceptions. Additional efforts are being undertaken to enhance compliance with ArriveCAN, which is already over 95% for travellers arriving by land and air combined.
“As we move into the next phase of our COVID-19 response, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over,” said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos. “We must continue to do all that we can to keep ourselves and others safe from the virus. It is also important for individuals to remain up to date with the recommended vaccinations to ensure they are adequately protected against infection, transmission, and severe complications.
“As we have said all along, Canada’s border measures will remain flexible and adaptable, guided by science and prudence.”
Canadian travel and tourism experts earlier this week pleaded with the Trudeau government to avoid bringing back random tests at Canadian airports. They also asked for the lifting of all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“Removing the entire testing process from airports will ease the passenger experience, particularly once staffing issues with third-party agencies have been dealt with,” the Roundtable said. “It is critical that the government not allow these restrictions to come back into force and push the sector backwards.”
Yet, that’s what Ottawa appeared to do today.
