COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Truckers Entering Canada Now in Effect

Trade Update • JANUARY 17, 2021

Astatement from the Public Health Agency of Canada last week reiterated a Nov. 19 announcement by the Trudeau government that as of January 15, 2022, certain categories of travellers — including essential service providers such as truck drivers — who are currently exempt from entry requirements, will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada.

The statement by the ministers of Health, Public Safety, and Transport emphasizes that a Canadian truck driver who is not fully vaccinated cannot be denied entry into Canada—Canadian citizens, persons registered under the Indian Act, and permanent residents may enter Canada by right.

However, starting January 15, unvaccinated Canadian truck drivers entering Canada will need to meet requirements for pre-entry, arrival, and Day 8 testing, as well as quarantine requirements.

The final decision regarding entry and quarantine is made by a government representative at the port of entry, based on the information presented to them at the time.

Any individual who is symptomatic upon arrival to Canada will be directed to a Public Health Agency of Canada official and will be directed to isolate for 10 days from the time they enter Canada.

Effective January 15, 2022, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign national truck drivers, coming to Canada from the United States by land, will be directed back to the U.S.

Potential Impact

As reported here, some 10% to 20%, or between 12,000-22,000 Canadian truck drivers, and 40%, or 16,000 U.S. truck drivers traveling into Canada would be sidelined by upcoming mandates in both countries, the Canadian Trucking Association has estimated. Driver shortages are further expected to fuel red-hot inflation, industry lobby groups have said.