Canada’s government workers, including police, military personnel, and domestic air and rail passengers, will soon need full Covid-19 vaccination, officials revealed Wednesday.
The mandatory vaccine initiative, introduced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the recent election, affects around 300,000 federal employees.
While some medical exemptions will be considered, unvaccinated individuals by month’s end may face administrative leave without pay.
Additionally, all Canadian air and rail travelers aged 12 and up must be fully vaccinated by November’s end.
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“These responsible, practical measures will safeguard Canadians, prevent healthcare system strain, ensure schools remain open, and boost our economic recovery,” Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland stated at a press briefing.
She added that this will prevent “a minority opposing Covid-19 vaccines from hindering Canada’s economic progress.”
Over 82% of Canadians 12 and older are fully vaccinated, and 88% have received at least one dose, as reported by the Covid-19 Vaccination Tracker.
Trudeau warned of “serious repercussions” for any federal employee falsifying their vaccination status.
He also mentioned plans to launch an international travel vaccine passport and introduce laws to criminalize threats or harassment of healthcare workers.
This comes in response to recent anti-vaccine protests at hospitals and clinics, sparking public anger.
