New Reg: All Air Passengers Arriving In Canada Will Have To Get A Negative Test For COVID-19

Tim Perry, President of the Canadian Component of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), issued the following statement after the Government of Canada announced that all air passengers arriving in Canada will have to get a negative test for COVID-19 dating less than 72 hours before their arrival in the country, while respecting the 14-day quarantine rules currently in force.

“Today's announcement not only provided no concrete details, but was made without much consultation, if any, with key industry stakeholders, including ALPA Canada, prior to its announcement. Once again, this underscores the federal government's lack of appreciation for the importance of working with the aviation industry to create good policy as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together. "

“While we recognize the government's efforts to protect the public from a further spread of the COVID-19 virus, parliamentarians across the country continue to ignore our recommendations and remain out of step with best practices that have already been put in place. implemented worldwide by other governments. "

"Rather than removing barriers that remain a major hurdle for airlines and travelers, today's announcement will put in place difficult-to-achieve and onerous restrictions on air travel at a time when the industry is struggling. even to survive. That is why we continue to advocate for the federal government to work with ALPA Canada and other key labor market and industry stakeholders and take the lead in a coordinated and safe return to air travel. Our elected leaders must implement a better plan that uses an approach endorsed by healthcare professionals around the world; one that incorporates an understanding of best practices for safe air travel in our new reality.

"These practices, which we have shared with the federal government and which we continue to develop through collaborations with our local and international partners, include the immediate expansion of screening tests at airports on arrival, similar to the pilot project already underway at Calgary International Airport, a reduction in quarantine periods associated with an appropriate testing regime; rigorous, consistent and easy-to-understand cleaning protocols; and strict measures to limit contact on and off aircraft.

“Until the federal government provides further details on today's announcement, we reiterate our call on the federal government to provide targeted financial support to our critical sector and insist that any possible financial support to airlines must protect our members and other airline workers who for most of this year have been doing more than they can as ailing airlines weather the turbulence caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. "

FMI: www.alpa.org