441-00402 (Civil and human rights)

As the country’s largest employer, the Government of Canada is leading by example. Having a fully vaccinated workforce means that not only are worksites safer, so are the communities where this large population lives and works. It also means better protection for Canadians accessing government services in person.

On October 6, 2021, the Treasury Board of Canada announced its Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Policy is compliant with legislation, including the Privacy Act, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and collective agreements.The Policy provides for addressing requests for accommodation based on any prohibited ground of discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act, on a case-by-case basis.

On October 21, 2021, the Canadian Human Rights Commission published a guide on vaccination policies and human rights, which states that “Rights are not absolute. […] Requiring that an individual be vaccinated to work or travel is not a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Vaccination requirements are not a discriminatory practice because they are intended (and are necessary) to protect public health and safety.”

Throughout the pandemic, the Government of Canada has prioritized the health and safety of Canadians.

Recognizing the importance and critical nature of the transportation sector for Canadians and for the economy, Transport Canada has taken action throughout the pandemic to ensure the safety and security of the transportation network, its employees and its users.

The measures that the Government of Canada has implemented have been and will continue to be based on the best public health advice and science available. As vaccination rates at home and around the world increase, and the epidemiological situation evolves, so too will the government’s response to the pandemic. In short, the Government of Canada is committed to the safety and security of Canadians and will not hesitate to act to ensure this end.

Vaccines work, they are safe and effective, and they are an important tool in the fight against the pandemic. They are our best line of defense.

Since October 30^, 2021, Transport Canada, using its authorities, required travellers departing from Canadian airports and travellers on VIA Rail, Rocky Mountaineer and Amtrak trains to be vaccinated. Vaccination requirements also apply to passengers on board cruise ships in Canada.

In addition, in January 2022, in line with similar measures in the United States, the Minister of Health, using the Quarantine Act, implemented vaccination requirements for certain foreign national essential workers entering Canada, including commercial truck drivers.

The Government of Canada is committed to finding the responsible balance between measures that protect Canadians’ safety and supporting the recovery of Canada’s economy. Since the outset of the pandemic, Transport Canada has been engaging regularly with all levels of government and transportation industry stakeholders to identify emerging issues and mitigate disruptions. For example, Transport Canada has provided guidance to the road industry, including commercial vehicle operators, transportation workers and operators, in support of COVID-19 safety.

The Government of Canada continues to monitor, review, and adjust public health measures as necessary to ensure the safety of Canadians, and remains committed to supporting essential transportation workers, while ensuring a coordinated response to the fight against COVID-19.

As eager as Canadians are to return to their pre-pandemic lives, the reality is that the pandemic is not over.

It is through widespread vaccination that a return to our pre-pandemic lives is possible. Anyone who has not received the vaccine - their first, second or booster - should do so as soon as possible. People who have doubts as to whether they should get the vaccine should speak with their physician.

The Government of Canada will continue to work alongside Canadians to support them as we navigate this once in a hundred-years pandemic, and come out stronger, and safer.

The Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for their engagement on this issue.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, keeping Canadians safe and healthy has been the top priority of the Government of Canada. Canada’s best economic policy continues to be finishing the fight against COVID-19. Millions of Canadians have been doing their part by getting vaccinated, following public health guidelines, and delivering essential services. But work remains to end the pandemic.

Vaccines are our best line of defence against COVID-19 and widespread vaccination has helped our economy reopen and helped many people return to work. Scientists have developed safe vaccines that have proven to be very effective at preventing severe cases of COVID-19, including preventing hospitalization and death. By getting our shots, we are protecting ourselves, our loved ones, vulnerable people, those who can’t get vaccinated—and preventing further lockdowns.

On December 7, 2021, the Government of Canada announced its intention to develop regulations under Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code to make vaccination mandatory in federally regulated workplaces. Consultations with federally regulated stakeholders, including employer and employee representatives, were held in December 2021. At this time, no regulations have been enacted.

The Government of Canada continues to encourage Canadians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to follow public health recommendations and preventative measures to protect themselves and others in their communities.