PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau indicated on Thursday that indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Trudeau and federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc held a call with provincial and territorial premiers to discuss their shared response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
First Ministers noted that case numbers and severe illness continue to decline across the country as vaccination rates continue to increase. Trudeau noted that Canada continues to lead G20 countries in vaccination rates with approximately 80 per cent of eligible Canadians vaccinated with their first dose and over 50 per cent of eligible Canadians fully vaccinated.
He thanked premiers for their efforts in ramping up vaccinations across the country. With the risk of localized outbreaks and the threat posed by variants of concern, Trudeau encouraged collective momentum to ensure that as many people as possible are fully vaccinated.
First Ministers also discussed how to continue safely adjusting border measures. The Prime Minister noted that, if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September.
He noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel.
First Ministers expressed their support of reopening plans, and agreed on the importance of ensuring clarity and predictability as initial steps are taken. Trudeau indicated that ministers would share more details on these plans early next week.
First Ministers discussed the importance of working collaboratively on a proof of vaccination credential, and prioritizing work to implement a system that would enable Canadians to travel internationally with confidence.
First Ministers reiterated their commitment to a collaborative approach to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and reopening Canada’s economy.