The Minister of Transport for Canada Omar Alghabra announced yesterday 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.
On Feb. 4, 2021, the Government of Canada had announced a 1-year ban for cruise ships and Arctic pleasure craft until Feb. 28, 2022.
The Government of Canada, the release continues, looks forward to having a cruising season in 2022. The cruise ship industry, which represents more than $4 billion 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.
“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 Alghabra in a press statement.
Added Rob Fleming, British Columbia’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, “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.”
That said, the Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to “avoid all travel on cruise ships outside the country until further notice.”
Additionally, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that Canada could start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens by mid-August.
