Canadian Journey and Tourism Leaders Name on Federal Authorities to Launch Complete Reopening Plan, Clear Border Measures, and a Program to Certify Vaccinations

The G7 alignment with the international vaccination certification creates the conditions for the government to set clear travel guidelines for. to announce Canada.

Canadian Travel and Tourism Round Table (CNW Group / Canadian Travel and Tourism Round Table)

OTTAWA, June 14, 2021 / CNW / -The Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable (The Roundtable) today calls on the federal government to immediately publish a comprehensive, national plan to reopen our economy, ensure free movement of Canadians across the country, and reopen the US-Canada Reach the border and set up a clear vaccination certification program to allow international travelers to enter. These are critical actions that will allow the travel and tourism sectors and the Canadian economy to recover.

Despite the advice of the federally appointed Panel of Experts on COVID-19 Testing and Screening (the Panel of Experts), the federal government has yet to publish a comprehensive reopening plan for international and domestic travel, particularly with regards to admitting fully vaccinated foreign nationals to Canada.

Last weekend, Prime Minister Trudeau attended the G7 Summit, where the Communique of Heads of State and Government “emphasized the importance of the safe resumption of international travel by land, air and sea and multilateral efforts to achieve this” for the The global economy recognized and emphasized the need for “a set of common travel standards, including interoperability and mutual recognition of digital applications, testing requirements, recognition of vaccination status including exceptions and comparable criteria for when responsive action may be required.” Canada remains a clear outlier among his G7 colleagues as no comprehensive reopening plan has yet been announced. Although international discussions are important, Canada needs its own plan and needs it now.

The Canada-The US border has since been closed for non-essential travel March 2020. As more people are being vaccinated in both countries and cases are falling across the continent, it is time the federal government put in place an evidence-based plan to reopen the border.

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The sector also urges the federal government to promulgate clear travel policies for Canadians and foreign nationals traveling to Canada. Canadians deserve a unified national policy approach to travel that clarifies the country’s policies regarding vaccination certificates, our international border, unvaccinated minors, and other critical details that require national guidance. In the absence of a nationwide plan, we see a patchwork of policies in the provinces that are difficult to reconcile.

Last week the federal government announced its intention Lift the mandatory hotel quarantine for fully vaccinated Canadians and reduce the quarantine following the results of an arrival test. While this was a step in the right direction, further policy changes are needed to support the recovery of the travel and tourism sectors.

Canadians do their part to vaccinate; Now is the time for the federal government to provide clear, timely and secure guidelines for the reopening Canada to travel. Recent announcements have shown some progress, but much more clarity is needed. Canada Politics should be rooted in science, warranting a renewed approach to border measures, ongoing testing requirements, and quarantine restrictions for partially vaccinated Canadians and fully vaccinated foreigners. There is no scientifically justified reason to postpone the implementation of the government’s own recommendations of the panel of experts.

“It is imperative that we have logical, clear measures to keep traveling within Canada and international. Taking a step-by-step approach to political announcements about travel will only create more questions and confusion, “said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

“The Canadian travel and tourism industry – and the Canada-US border – has been effectively closed since then March 2020. A holistic one Canada– A comprehensive plan is needed to give reassurance to businesses and Canadians. We are seeing the provinces fill in the gaps left by the lack of a federal reopening plan and this will create confusion among travelers, “said Beth Potter, President & CEO of the Tourism Association of Canada.

“Canada can’t afford to be left behind when other countries reopen around the world, “said Susie Grynol, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada. “Without a clear plan, our vibrant tourism industry is at risk and people’s livelihoods are at risk. Fully vaccinated travelers should be given the same opportunities regardless of their nationality.”

“There’s a lot of demand all over Canada To travel. We urgently need the federal government to put in place a plan so that Canadians and those who wish to travel safely can Canada, are not left behind. Other countries have done this. Our industry depends on it. Canadians expect that, “said Daniel-Robert Gooch, President of the Canadian Airports Council.

“Countries that successfully implement science and data-based testing and quarantine policies will not only protect public health, they will also fuel their general domestic recovery and take jobs and investment from countries that do not,” said Mike McNaney, President and CEO of the National Airlines Council of Canadawhat represents Canada major airlines (Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation and WestJet). “We have tens of thousands of employees who rely on the government to publish a plan,” he continued.

About the Round Table on Canadian Travel and Tourism

The Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable is a Canadian coalition of leading representatives from the tourism and travel industries – including representatives from airports, airlines, hotels and chambers of commerce across the country – who are committed to working together to bring the sector back to life smoothly and safely. Travel and tourism is a $ 105 billion Sector that employs millions of Canadians across the country and accounts for 2.1% of the country’s gross domestic product. She is committed to a safe and prosperous tourism and travel sector across Canada.

SOURCE Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable

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