After 24 hours of confusion, the Canadian government has clarified that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Canadian truck drivers returning to Canada will no longer be exempt from entry requirements as of January 15, 2022. Enforcement of the border vaccination mandate is moving forward as was previously communicated to the trucking industry.

The statement also indicates that unvaccinated Canadian truck drivers entering Canada after January 15 will need to meet requirements for pre-entry, including producing a PCR test prior to arrival and quarantine requirements, but they can’t be denied entry into Canada.

Government officials also confirmed that the mandate will also remain in effect for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign national truck drivers entering the country as of Saturday, January 15. The Canadian Trucking Association (CTA) continues to work with the American Trucking Association on enforcement details for the U.S. mandate coming into force on January 22.

On both sides of the border, trucking associations are lobbying for a more suitable enforcement date that is less disruptive to the supply chain. Winter months are the peak of produce movement from the southern states into Canada. 

Source:  Public Health Agency of Canada/Canadian Trucking Alliance January 13, 2022 news releases