Question Period Note: Proof of Vaccination

The Department’s role exploring how proof of vaccination may be used for international travel.

• We recognize the potential that proof of vaccination credentials may have in supporting the re-opening of societies and economies.
• We’re continuing to actively explore with our international partners, provinces and territories, as well as Indigenous communities, ways in which to help Canadians to travel internationally when it is safe to do so.
• Canada’s proof of vaccination credential would be aligned with international standards in order to facilitate international travel for Canadians.
• In exploring options, accessibility, security and privacy will be key components of any proof of vaccination solution.

As Canada prepares for the eventual re-opening of its borders and international flights resume, the Government of Canada is exploring how a proof of vaccination—or “vaccine passport”—may be used for international travel. Helping Canadians reconnect globally when it is safe to do so is a priority for the Government of Canada.
This will be a significant undertaking involving complex work with multiple players, including the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada, and the Canadian air sector.
IRCC is playing a role in coordinating the Government of Canada’s efforts in this area.

Proof of Vaccine Credential

A proof of vaccination credential is intended to be a trusted, verifiable proof of vaccination, in paper or digital form, which is used to facilitate international travel and support the evaluation of public health risk.

Vaccine Credentials are not “passports” and will not be linked to passports.

The establishment of a system that will protect our privacy and personal information, and that will be accessible, fair, and equitable is imperative.

The Government of Canada will be working with provinces, territories, and international partners to find a proof of vaccine solution which those vaccinated in Canada can apply for, for use in international travel.

Recognizing the crucial importance of protecting Canadians and their public health data, the following key principles will be used to guide program design work:
• Interoperability: use global standards to ensure credentials are easily accepted internationally.
• Citizen-centric: place citizen journey is at the centre of design, with a simple, accessible experience.
• Privacy: safeguard citizen privacy, only requiring minimum amount of information needed for use and verifiability in the travel continuum; and, designing federal-PT connectivity to minimize the exchange of personal information.
• Security and Verifiability – protect against tampering/fraud, and ensure it can be trusted and verified remotely by foreign borders and others (e.g., air industry)
• Implementable – scope the solution and any FPT connections appropriately such that it can be operationalized in the coming months to support a safe resumption of travel.

It is expected that carrying a proof of vaccination credential while travelling will mean travellers face fewer restrictions, such as decreased testing and quarantine requirements.

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