The Conservative MP for Kenora says he’s thrilled that the government is ending the COVID vaccine mandates and required ArriveCAN app use for travellers.
Eric Melillo says his party has been advocating for the removal of remaining border restrictions for months and wishes the government had listened sooner.
Melillo stresses the government now needs to forgive any fines that were incurred by Canadians who failed to comply with the ArriveCAN app, noting it isn’t fair for Canadians to have to pay for government incompetence.
The feds announced Monday that it is dropping all entry COVID-19 measures at borders, meaning travellers will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination when entering Canada or wear masks on planes and trains,
The lifting of restrictions will take effect October 1.
According to the announcement, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:
-Submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
-Provide proof of vaccination;
-Undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
-Carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
-Monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada;
-Undergo health checks for travel on air and rail;
-Or wear masks on planes and trains.
The measures also apply cruise ships so passengers will no longer be required to take pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use ArriveCAN.
In a statement from the federal government they “remind individuals that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant, cruise staff, or a border services officer upon arrival. They may then be referred to a quarantine officer who will decide whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act.”
