Feds say standardized proof of vaccination document is on the way
After flying to Halifax for the first time in more than two years to see his son, Lawrence Hercz says hearing all travellers flying the friendly skies out of Canadian airports will soon have to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is good news.
"So that we can all have the comfort of being able to visit our relatives and visit sites and get essentially Canada back working," Hercz says.
Two hours before they head to Heathrow, two others say they're also on board.
"For everybody's safety, the people who are running the flights, the people who are getting on them, they just need assurance that everybody around them is getting vaccinated," said Frank Kitson.
As of Oct. 30, anyone 12 and up departing from Canadian airports must have two COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Those who don't by Nov. 30 could have their travel denied.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport spokesperson Tiffany Chase says that will be the "absolute deadline" for being fully vaccinated to travel by air in Canada.
That will mean showing a vaccine pass that is standardized across the country, but issued provincially.
Exactly where it will be shown and how it will be verified is still in the works.
"Airports and airlines, as well as all the other partners here, are working with Transport Canada to determine what the actual procedures will be," said Chase.
The federal government says the standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination is already available in a number of provinces, including Nova Scotia, and it says it will soon be available in other provinces not on the list right now.
"Folks will be able to download the QR check starting tomorrow," said Nova Scotia Health Minister Michelle Thompson. "I think it will be very, very similar. Hopefully the process will be a little bit easier."
Prince Edward Island will have one ready soon while New Brunswick's is expected take a bit more time.
"We are on track to deliver our QR code, proof of vaccinations credentials, in mid-November," New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs said.
Halifax travel agent Myranda Miller says this is a step in the right direction.
She says things have been picking up as some jurisdictions have loosened restrictions.
"Now, this is going to give people the confidence, and make things a little more streamlined, and make things easier to travel in the near future," Miller said.
The next thing Miller would like is for Canada to drop its requirement for a negative COVID-19 test for re-entry.
But she, and those who just want to travel, will take this as a start.
"We're hopeful that this vaccine requirement will give people the confidence that they've been looking for to return to travelling by air," Chase said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Person in flames outside New York courthouse where Trump trial underway, CNN reports
A person set themselves on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place, according to CNN.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.