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June 18, 2021 – Federal government update on the COVID-19 pandemic
Here is an update on recent decisions and actions by the Canadian government in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canadians to be doubly vaccinated by September
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will receive millions of doses of the Moderna vaccine in June and July that were originally scheduled for delivery later in the summer.
By the end of June, Canada will have received more than 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 68 million by the end of July.
“We are very confident that Canadians can be doubly vaccinated by September,” said Mr. Trudeau.
The Prime Minister noted that almost 75% of eligible Canadians have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 18% are fully vaccinated.
“Together, we will beat COVID-19, but it’s important that we continue to get our first and second doses as soon as possible, because that’s what will allow us to see the people we missed during the lockdown,” Mr. Trudeau noted.
Canada-U.S. border closing extended
The Trudeau government confirmed that the Canada-U.S. border will remain closed to non-essential travel until July 21.
“The government is planning measures for Canadians, permanent residents and others who are currently allowed to enter Canada and are fully vaccinated. We will provide more information on Monday, June 21,” said Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety.
International travel
Mr. Trudeau said his government is working with the provinces to find a medium-term solution for a vaccination certificate that would enable Canadians with two doses to travel internationally.
First, the “ArriveCAN” application will be used to take a photo of proof of vaccination.
“It’s not an ideal solution, but we’re going to be able to roll it out quickly so that people have a few more options this summer if they’re fully vaccinated,” Mr. Trudeau said. “After that, another more robust digitization project is under way, but it requires the provinces to sign on and use their respective databases to find out who has been vaccinated,” he concluded.