Canadian government workers must get coronavirus vaccine or face unpaid leave: Trudeau

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Canadian federal government workers must be fully vaccinated by month's end or be put on unpaid leave, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday.

As well, train, plane and marine travelers will be banned from boarding unless they provide proof they are fully vaccinated from Oct. 30, he said.

Trudeau also had a warning for those who would be encouraged to lie or produce phony proof of vaccination passports -- disciplinary action that might result in the permanent loss of a job.

The prime minister made the announcement at a news conference with Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

About 267,000 federal workers fall under the government edict, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. But some departments are exempt, including Canada Post employees, Service Canada, Veterans Affairs, the Canadian military and Veterans Affairs.

Those departments will have to set up their own plans for vaccinations and the government is encouraging them to do so.

All travelers older than 12 will have to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding trains, planes and passenger vessels.

"For the vast, vast majority of people, the rules are very simple - to travel you've got to be vaccinated," said Trudeau. "If you haven't gotten your shots yet but want to travel this winter, let me be clear: There will only be a few extremely narrow exceptions, like a valid medical condition” or religious exemption.

The government has mandated that airline, train and cruise ship companies set up their own systems to ensure compliance with the new regulation. Trudeau said the government will help draw up plans.

"These travel measures, along with mandatory vaccination for federal employees, are some of the strongest in the world because when it comes to keeping you and your family safe, when it comes to avoiding lockdowns for everyone, this is no time for half measures," said Trudeau.

It is estimated that 88% of the eligible Canadian population has received two inoculation shots.

But 4 million people older than 12 years of age have not received the vaccine, according to an estimate by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.