Need for a consistent approach to facilitating travel

Letter from Goldy Hyder to the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, calling for a consistent approach to facilitating travel both within Canada and internationally. 

Dear Minister Hajdu,

As business and community leaders, we share your commitment to keeping Canadians safe and eliminating as soon as possible the threat posed by COVID-19.  We are encouraged to hear that our country is on track to receive at least 44 million doses of vaccine by Canada Day, and we remain committed to assisting wherever possible with the vaccine rollout.

As more and more people get vaccinated, there is a heightened need for a consistent approach to facilitating travel both within Canada and internationally. Requirements for rapid screening, COVID-19 testing and proof of vaccination are among the issues that can and should be addressed with a harmonized approach.

Last week you indicated that discussions are underway with Canada’s G7 partners to develop a policy roadmap that supports safe international travel. Such a roadmap will be key for clarifying travel requirements for Canadians, and for ensuring that Canada is once again a destination of choice of international travellers.

Meantime, we encourage you to prioritize discussions with your U.S. counterparts on a science-based approach to facilitating travel between our two countries. By April 19^th every U.S. adult will be eligible for a vaccine, highlighting the important opportunity Canada has to revive many of the communities and industries hit hardest by the pandemic. 

We understand that any plan to restore travel depends on positive public health trends. At the same time, we are mindful of the emotional and economic hardship that Canadians will endure if they are deprived of another summer without travel. We encourage governments across the country to agree on a common set of guidelines for travelers.

Business leaders across the country are grateful to you and your colleagues for your service to Canadians. Our shared priority is to save lives, preserve jobs and rebuild the economy.

Sincerely,