Exemptions: Closing the Borders
Classification: Unclassified
Branch/Agency: Transport Canada
Proposed Response:
- These exceptions allow healthy foreign nationals, who qualify under the certain categories, to travel by air to Canada.
- For example:
- healthy immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, such as spouse/common-law partner and its children;
- healthy foreign nationals holding valid Canadian work permit, in essential sectors such as Canada’s food industry (agriculture workers, seafood processors, truck drivers), caregivers, workers in health-related fields, emergency firefighters or marine crews.
- healthy foreign nationals holding a valid Canadian study permit.
- These foreign national will be subject to the current health protocols meaning they:
- will not be able to board if they are symptomatic; and
- will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival.
Background:
Closing the Border Exemptions
These exceptions are made under paragraph 5.9(2) of the authority of the Aeronautics Act and support the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Emergency Order, which is issued under section 58 of the Quarantine Act.
Much of the work that is done by foreign nationals in this category is tied directly to food security, meeting domestic market demand for fruits and vegetables. The next few weeks (March/April) are critical for the 2020 growing and harvesting season. Based on 2019 data, work permits issued in these categories account for 15% of the 405,000 temporary work permits issued last year.
This exception will allow international students studying at a Canadian institution who may be stranded outside of Canada, to return to reunite with their host families and continue their studies. Most post-secondary institutions have switched to online learning and have not cancelled the school year. Please contact IRCC for more information.
Contacts:
Prepared by: Adriana Simedrea, Chief, Parliamentary Affairs, Transport Canada, 613-993-9177
Approved by: Jimmy Brackenridge, Director, Strategic Services, Transport Canada, 613-852-5763
- Date modified: