Beginning 30NOV, Canadian travellers will not be able to take flight without a government-issued passport with a QR code.
Before the end of NOV, Canadians who do not have access to a QR code passport can use their proof of vaccination receipt.
Along with the QR code, which will include COVID-19 vaccination history, the document will also have the official logo of the province or territory and the official logo of the Government of Canada.
A Toronto Star report advises travellers to bring a printout as the digital copy may not be readable outside of Canada.
For some provinces, the new proof of vaccination is already available to download or print. The remaining provinces will have to have their vaccine passports available for 30NOV.
British Columbia
According to CTV News, B.C.’s current vaccination card is not compatible with the federal system which will be used as of 30NOV. However, the provincial government has announced plans to align the systems for its residents.
"You're going to need two at the moment, and we'll see how we go in the months ahead, how we can bring those two together,” said Premier John Horgan.
Horgan said the province is working to prepare a new system, and that there will be “a grace period during which the province's existing vaccine card will be accepted for travel.”
Currently, B.C.’s vaccination card has been downloaded by approximately 3.7 million B.C. residents.
Alberta
The vaccine passport is not yet available in the province, but will be available for download on 30NOV. Albertans can currently contact their province to get the provincial proof of vaccination or the Alberta vaccine record.
Saskatchewan
According to CTV News, Saskatchewan’s proof of vaccination system is currently available for download and fits into the federal government’s standardized system.
Manitoba
According to the CBC, Manitoba’s vaccine passport is available for download as of 25OCT.
"In addition to our immunization card, Manitoba will be offering a vaccination credential — which will be available starting Oct. 25 — that meets the requirements of the pan-Canadian standard for Manitobans planning international or domestic travel by air or rail,” said a statement from Manitoba Premier Kelvin Goertzen.
Ontario
Ontario launched its vaccination passport for citizens to download over a week ago.
New Brunswick
The vaccine passport is not yet available in New Brunswick, but will be available on 30NOV.
Until then, New Brunswick residents can contact the province to get the provincial proof of vaccination or the “Record of COVID-19 Immunization.”
Nova Scotia
The vaccine passport is available for download in Nova Scotia.
Prince Edward Island
The vaccine passport is not yet available in P.E.I, but is expected to be available on 30NOV.
Until then, residents in P.E.I. can contact the province for proof of vaccination or download its “Vax Pass.”
Newfoundland and Labrador
The vaccine passport is available for download in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Northwest Territories
The vaccine passport is available for download in the Northwest Territories.
Nunavut
The vaccine passport is available for download in Nunavut.
But Will Canada’s Vaccine Passports be Accepted Abroad?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he's "very confident" countries around the world will accept Canadians’ proof of vaccination. Government officials also added that the Government of Canada is working with other countries to ensure international acceptance of the passport.
"We are very confident this proof-of-vaccination certificate that will be federally approved, issued by the provinces with the health information for Canadians, is going to be accepted at destinations worldwide," Trudeau said.
The government also added it is in conversation with other countries to recognize those who have had mixed COVID-19 vaccinations as fully vaccinated.
"This includes sharing Canada's evidence and experience with mixed schedules of Health Canada-authorized vaccines for both AstraZeneca/mRNA and mixed mRNA doses," said a government release.
