We’ve finally reached the time where travel is safe and back open in Canada. Around March of 2020, COVID-19 hit our country and one of the main causes of spread was international travel. To avoid any major outbreaks, over-run hospitals and a fourth wave of lockdowns, many countries around the world begin implementing vaccine passports.

Countries like Israel, Germany and Ireland already have systems like this in place and it’s a positive step towards reducing the spread of COVID-19. This week, the federal government announced that Canada too is working towards implementing a similar vaccine passport system the fall.

About Canada’s Vaccine Passport

This week, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino announced that Canada is getting a vaccine passport for all international travel. This certification system will be applicable among all provinces and territories and will hold information of:

COVID-19 vaccination history
Date of each dose
Type of shot (Phizer, Moderna etc.)
Location of where shot was administered

The vaccine passports will be available to all fully-vaccinated citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents living in Canada. Over the next few weeks the government will be gathering all the vaccination data to plug into the new certification system.

“We are working actively with the provinces and territories on a secure, pan-Canadian proof of vaccination for international travel.”
Marco Mendicino

Difference Of Opinion On Vaccine Passports Among Canadian Leaders

There’s no word yet if vaccine passports will be needed for domestic travel, but as of right now there’s a difference of opinion among various provincial leaders. Here in Ontario, Doug Ford has made his opinion loud and clear in regards to vaccine passports. Back in July he said, “The answer is no, we’re not gonna do it. We’re not gonna have a split society.” Solicitor General Sylvia Jones also says, “we don’t want 13 different vaccine passports or certificates across Canada.”

Last week, Quebec’s Health Minister Christian Dubé announced that starting September 1st the province will be implementing their vaccine passport system. Quebec residents will have to present their certification to access non-essential services, like gyms, bars, restaurants and festivals.

Quebec Vaccine Passports — Photo: Canadian Press

In Manitoba, the Manitoba Digital Immunization Card is already in use for proof of vaccination.

In Alberta, they’ve made made a strong stance that they will not be implementing vaccine passports.

The topic of vaccine passports is still fresh and it’s certainly not an easy discussion. Different provinces may be implementing different rules and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to be supporting the difference of opinion between the provinces.

“The provinces will be making determinations. We’ve seen Quebec for example, move forward with an internal vaccine passport. Alberta has announced that it will not be doing that. Different provinces will be doing different things.”
prime minister Justin Trudeau