Today, Canada announced that as of Nov. 1, 2021, the prohibition of cruise ships in Canadian waters would no longer be in effect if operators are able to fully comply with public health requirements.
As the outlook of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to improve, Canada said the country looks forward to having a cruising season in 2022. The cruise ship industry, which represents more than $4 billion (Can.) annual input into the Canadian economy and directly and indirectly generates approximately 30,000 jobs, is an important part of Canada’s domestic tourism sector.
Transport Canada said it will continue to work with the Public Health Agency of Canada, other levels of government, the U.S. government, transportation industry stakeholders, Indigenous Peoples, and Arctic communities to help ensure Canadians and Canada’s transportation system remain safe and secure.
“As Canadians have done their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to safely restart our economy and build back better. We will welcome cruise ships—an important part of our tourism sector—back in Canadian waters for the 2022 season," said Omar Alghabra, Canada's minister of transport.
“I would like to thank the federal government for working collaboratively and constructively with us, and for taking action on this issue that is an important part of BC’s economy. We know that cruise ship passengers want a Canadian experience in British Columbia, and we know that British Columbians want to welcome them to our cities when it is safe to do so," said Rob Fleming British Columbia’s minister of transportation and infrastructure.
On Feb. 4, 2021, the government of Canada announced a one-year ban for cruise ships and Arctic pleasure craft until Feb. 28, 2022.
The government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid all travel on cruise ships outside the country until further notice.
