Trudeau set to detail vaccine mandate for air and rail travelers

Justin Trudeau is poised to announce details of the vaccine mandate for federally regulated industries he used as a wedge issue in his successful bid for a third term in Canada.

Justin Trudeau is poised to announce details of the vaccine mandate for federally regulated industries he used as a wedge issue in his successful bid for a third term in Canada. 

The prime minister and his deputy, Chrystia Freeland, will make an announcement on the “Covid-19 situation” on Wednesday morning in Ottawa, according to itineraries released by their offices. A technical briefing with reporters will be held by officials from Transport Canada and the Treasury Board prior to their appearance.

Before triggering an election in which he hoped to regain majority control of the legislature, Trudeau announced his government would make Covid-19 vaccines mandatory for for airline and rail passengers, transportation workers and federal employees. The incumbent Liberals attempted to use the issue against the rival Conservatives during the campaign, though were held to another minority in the Sept. 20 vote. 

In his first full press conference after the election last week, the prime minister said implementing the pledge would be a top priority. Trudeau and Freeland’s announcement will include details on the timing and enforcement of the vaccine mandate, according to reports Tuesday night by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. and the Globe and Mail newspaper, citing unnamed government sources.

Canada has two major domestic airlines, Air Canada and Onex Corp.-owned WestJet Airlines Ltd. State-run Via Rail Canada Inc. provides train services.