Vaccine Passport Idea Being Discussed at Highest Levels of Trudeau Government
March 8, 2021 ctn_admin
Two of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s most important ministers are discussing the idea of a vaccine passport for travelling Canadians.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu on Sunday said the idea is a “very live” issue as more Canadians get their vaccines and countries around the world debate the idea of opening their borders more fully.
“It’s being discussed around the world. I’m a member of the G7 health ministers, we meet every couple weeks,” Hajdu said Sunday on CBC TV’s Rosemary Barton Live. This has been on our agenda.”
Hajdu said Transport Minister Omar Alghabra also is discussing the concept with his international counterparts.
Some countries, as well as airlines like Qantas, have said some kind of proof of vaccination will be necessary for visitors or airline guests in the future as a way to keep tourism dollars moving while also protecting health.
Critics have said the idea would create a two-tier system, where only people with the means to get vaccines can travel. Other say that’s a necessarily evil if the world is to protect its tourism jobs.
The World Travel and Tourism Council says roughly one in ten jobs around the world are in the tourism sector.
The World Health Organization last month said governments should not require such passports because it’s unclear how well vaccines minimize transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Hajdu said she understands that might be the case, but that the issue is being discussed.
“The intent is to co-ordinate,” Hajdu said. “You can imagine the confusion in international travel if there’s different certifications that are required.”
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