Canada Suspend Mandatory Random Testing At All Airports

The Govt of Canada on Saturday ends the temporarily suspended mandatory random testing for Covid-19 at all airports between Saturday, June 11 and Thursday, June 30, 2022.

The move was made in an effort to cut airport wait times following complaints of frequent delays.

Transport Canada, in an official statement, said, “The Government of Canada recognizes the impact that significant wait times at some Canadian airports are having on travellers. We continue to work with airports, airlines, baggage handlers, and other partners to implement solutions to reduce delays as we approach the summer peak season.”

The Government of Canada also announced today that mandatory random testing at all airports would be temporarily discontinued between Saturday, June 11 and Thursday, June 30, 2022.

However, unvaccinated travellers will still be tested on-site. As of July 1, all testing will be performed off-site, including for unvaccinated travellers.

The Canadian government also stated that it is recruiting more personnel and accelerating the security clearance of those who are currently in training. Since April, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has added 865 screening employees to help manage and increase travellers.

Transport Canada in its statement also said, “Travellers are reminded that the use of ArriveCAN before coming to the airport helps remove unnecessary delays. PHAC is adding additional staff on select days at airports to verify that travellers have completed their ArriveCAN submissions on arrival and further inform air travellers about the importance of the mandatory requirements. PHAC staff will assist travellers in completing ArriveCAN if they were unable to do so.”

“We recognize that there is still work to be done, particularly for international arrivals at our largest airports, and we will continue to work with all orders of governments and partners to reduce the delays in the travel system.” it further added.