The union representing Canadian border agents says the Trudeau government “has no plan” to restore normal travel in Canada. The Customs and Immigration (CIU) has issued a statement condemning Ottawa for taking only token, short-term action to solve gnarly lineups and other travel problems at Canada’s airports, including Toronto Pearson. “With no end in sight to delays affecting travelers at airports and border crossings across the country, it’s clear the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has no plan to to get travel back on track anytime soon,” the CIU statement says. “This is only made more evident by CBSA’s recently Read more
Ottawa
The minister in charge of Canadian passports says she’s deeply concerned about wait times. She also says she has ordered more work to be done. “I am deeply concerned about the delivery of passport services to Canadians, and the difficult and stressful situation too many Canadians are facing in getting passports in time for their travel plans,” Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, said in a statement today (June 23). “Improving this service is a top priority for the Government of Canada. “I share the frustration of Canadians and want to reiterate that these lineups, waits and Read more
The government of Canada says it’s bringing in new rules to protect passengers from cancelled or delayed flights. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said that, as the Canadian aviation industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and more and more Canadians are choosing to travel by air, it’s especially important that travellers are treated with fairness and respect. “I am pleased to see that the Canadian Transportation Agency’s new Regulations Amending the Air Passenger Protection Regulations are now finalized,” he said in a statement issued today by the Trudeau government. “These regulations require that refunds be provided for cancelled flights or Read more
The federal government says airport lineups are improving across the country. A statement from senior ministers in Ottawa says wait times at security lines continue to go down at Toronto Pearson International Airport, with about 91% of passengers now being screened within 15 minutes. Calgary International Airport also saw a slight overall improvement, with about 86% of passengers now screened within 15 minutes. About 84% of passengers were screened within 15 minutes at Vancouver International Airport, which is fewer than the previous week, but still a significant improvement since mid-May. About 85% of passengers were screened within 15 minutes at Read more
Mandatory vaccination rules for Canadians travelling domestically on airplanes and trains are no longer in effect. As today, June 20, Canadians can board a plane in Canada and not have to show proof of vaccination. Departing international passengers also can skip the vaccination proof display. But foreign travellers still need to show proof of vaccination to enter Canada, while unvaccinated Canadians returning home are still be required to quarantine. Depending on what destination they’re visiting, Canadians also might need proof of vaccination to enter another country. Other entry requirements are staying in place, including the requirement to fill out the Read more
