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October 21, 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.

Standardized Canadian proof of vaccination

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced that in collaboration with the provinces and territories there will be a standardized Canadian proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for domestic and international travel.

“As new vaccine requirements roll out for travellers, we are working to ensure that those who travel have access to a reliable, secure way to demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccinations, both at home and abroad,” Mr. Trudeau said.

The proof of vaccination can be downloaded here. It is saved as a QR code on a mobile device and is printable. It can also be used with ArriveCAN.

People vaccinated outside of Canada can check with authorities of their home province or territory to see if they can register their vaccine records to obtain a Canadian proof.

Vaccines for all children aged 5 to 11

Canada will receive 2.9 million doses of Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine shortly after its approval by Health Canada, which is currently evaluating it.

This is enough to vaccinate all children aged 5 to 11 in Canada.

Federal assistance programs starting October 24

  • The Canadian Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) is extended to May 7, 2022, with a subsidy rate of 50%;
  • The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) is extended to May 7, 2022, and will be available for up to six weeks;
  • Hotels, restaurants and travel agencies will benefit from the tourism and hospitality recovery program through the wage subsidy program and the Rental Assistance Program. Subsidy rates will range from 40% to 75% depending on the extent of lost income;
  • Employers who can demonstrate that they have been profoundly and lastingly affected by income losses (between 50% and 75%) will be eligible for subsidies covering between 10% and 50% of their losses;
  • In the event of full reconfinement, the wage subsidy and rent support programs will be available to affected businesses and workers, who will be eligible for $300 per week.