Motion to Lift COVID-19 Travel Restrictions in Canada Defeated

The Conservative Party motion calling on the Canadian federal government to lift all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions was the defeated in the House of Commons.

The opposition motion was raised, given that:

• Canadians are currently experiencing unacceptable wait times at Canadian airports, even though airports are still operating at reduced capacity.
• Current restrictions have been cited by experts as ineffective and contributing to additional delays, costs, and confusion, as well as acute labour shortages.
• Canada’s international allies have moved to lift COVID-19 restrictions at airports and other points of entry.
• Canada is losing business and economic opportunities.

The opposition motion to lift the domestic travel restrictions was defeated by a 202-117 vote.

BREAKING: Motion to lift COVID-19 travel restrictions in Canada has been DEFEATED.

Yeas: 117 ✅
Nays: 202❌ pic.twitter.com/3msMEKjf4l

— Marie Oakes (@TheMarieOakes) May 30, 2022

Vote result: the @CPC_HQ #OppositionMotion (Rules and service levels for travel) was defeated. #cdnpoli

Yeas: 117 ✅
Nays: 202❌ pic.twitter.com/IJdhHDrNet

— In the Chamber (@HoCChamber) May 30, 2022

Canada remains the world’s lone country still banning domestic travel for unvaccinated citizens.

Australia and New Zealand, two countries with some of the strictest COVID-19 requirements, now allow their unvaccinated citizens to fly internationally.

From CTV News:

The federal COVID-19 restrictions at the border are being extended until at least June 30, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada announced on Tuesday.

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The federal government will continue to require foreign tourists to provide proof of being fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated Canadian citizens or permanent residents are also still required to show proof of a molecular COVID-19 test taken prior to entering Canada and quarantine for 14 days.

All travellers coming to Canada, regardless of citizenship, must also continue to submit their health information through the ArriveCAN app prior to entry.

The announcement comes a day after a Conservative Party motion calling on the federal government to lift all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions was the defeated in the House of Commons.

The Canadian Airports Council has blamed massive customs delays across the country on the pandemic measures and insufficient staff, which have led to lineups so long the airports can’t physically contain them in some cases.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra says discussions about balancing public health measures with the fluidity of the economy are still ongoing.