![]() ![]() "They can't really refuse you entry into Canada and I knew that.International visitors who fly into the U.S. Kendell said she was unvaccinated for personal reasons when she travelled to Denmark, and had no concerns about flying home in January. ![]() They can still travel home in a vehicle, but that option may not be feasible for people who live in remote communities.ĭanya Kendell of Corner Brook, N.L., flew to Denmark to visit her fiancé on Oct. 'I didn't have much choice'Īlthough unvaccinated Canadians have the right to enter Canada, once they arrive, they're prohibited from taking a connecting flight or train to another Canadian city. The United States requires foreign travellers entering by both land and air to be fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated Canadians can still travel by car, but they likely won't get very far if they try to cross the border. However, in response to a separate inquiry, spokesperson Liu said Canadians' charter rights "are carefully considered" when implementing COVID-19 measures and that "the measures imposed are consistent with the charter." Transport Canada declined to comment on the lawsuit. "It is profoundly disturbing that a marginalized group in Canada - the unvaccinated - are essentially prohibited from leaving the country," said Keith Wilson, lead counsel for the legal challenge, in a statement. On Wednesday, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms filed a lawsuit in Federal Court, arguing Canada's vaccine requirement for air passengers is unconstitutional because, in part, it hinders mobility rights. The charter also says that Canadians have the right to leave Canada. Experts say the measure is an extra precaution that could prove more important with the omicron variant. WATCH | Proof of vaccination now required for travel:ĭuration 2:00 People 12 years old and up are now required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to board a plane or a train in Canada. That total includes children over the age of four and foreign nationals. 28 and Jan. 8, 109,290 government-funded arrival tests were completed on partially or unvaccinated air passengers entering Canada, according to the latest government data. Currently, those travellers face stricter entry requirements: they must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival, self-isolate for 14 days, and take a second test while in quarantine.īetween Nov. However, she said the government can, within reason, make returning home more difficult for unvaccinated travellers. "You have the right to come into Canada if you're a citizen because is basically trying to not have a situation where someone is stateless," said Froc, an associate law professor at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. Kerri Froc, a constitutional law expert, said Canadians' right of entry is enshrined in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. "I'm a Canadian citizen and that's my country."Ĭonstitutional law expert Kerri Froc said Canadians’ right of entry is enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (CBC) "I have no problems and no worries whatsoever about showing up at Lester Pearson Airport and saying here I am, and I'm not vaccinated," said the man. ![]() He said he left Canada with no concerns because he knew he would still be able to fly home when his trip ended in April. 18, less than two weeks before Canada's vaccine requirement took effect.ĬBC is withholding the traveller's name because he fears backlash for travelling abroad while unvaccinated. ![]() A 'fundamental human right'ĬBC News interviewed an unvaccinated traveller from Halifax who flew to Mexico on Nov. "Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act have the right of entry to Canada, and as such, can enter Canada whether vaccinated or not," said Transport Canada spokesperson, Sau Sau Liu, in an email. That means unvaccinated travellers who left the country before the vaccine requirement kicked in, or who departed in a private plane can still re-enter via a commercial flight - as long as they comply with pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirements. If they have the cash, unvaccinated Canadians can still fly out of Canada on private planes, as long as those on board don't require access to restricted areas at commercial airports.Ĭanadians returning home are also exempt from the vaccine requirement.
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