Trudeau Liberals reviewed vaccine passports though considering it ‘extreme,’ says internal records

An internal Privy Council email dated April 22, 2020, just six weeks after the pandemic outbreak, indicated that the cabinet asked for information on the feasibility of introducing so-called "immunopassports." The email was written by Thao Pham, deputy secretary to the cabinet, to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in answer "to your questions," said Pham.

"How many countries have used serological testing for immunopassports?" wrote Pham. "Although many jurisdictions have raised the idea, efforts to introduce immunopassports have been hindered by limitations with the serological tests to date such as accuracy of testing have (sic) hindered progress."

The email said the Department of Health had no strategy for "consideration of 'immunopassports' or other similar approaches where individuals who have antibodies are assumed to be immune to further infection could be cleared to return to work, etcetera."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, last January 14, said he opposed compulsory vaccination as an extreme measure. "I think the indications that the vast majority of Canadians are looking to get vaccinated will get us to a good place without having to take more extreme measures that could have real divisive impacts on community and country," said Trudeau.

"Will Canada consider requiring people in this country to have proof of vaccination?" asked a reporter.

"I think it’s an interesting idea, but I think it is also fraught with challenges," replied Trudeau.

The prime minister said he could think of numerous legitimate reasons Canadians would not take a COVID shot. "We always know there are people who won’t get vaccinated, and not necessarily through a personal or political choice," he said. "There are medical reasons. There is a broad range of reasons why someone might not get vaccinated."

Liberal President of the Privy Council Dominic LeBlanc announced August 13 that the federal government would move forward with mandating vaccines for federal employees. Employees must receive at least two doses of an approved vaccine for COVID-19.

Trudeau on August 15 said he now supported compulsory proof of vaccination for federal employees, workers at federally regulated private sector companies like banks and airlines, and Canadians attempting to board commercial flights or VIA Rail passenger trains.

"As a government, we chose to make sure federal public servants and everyone boarding a train or a plane be vaccinated," said Trudeau. "Not everyone agrees."

Compulsory vaccination regulations would take effect by October 31. No legal text of regulations has been detailed to date.

"We are requiring federally-regulated employers to adjust their rules to ensure a mandate is imposed no later than the end of October," said Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra on August 13.

He added that unvaccinated Canadians cannot travel interprovincially via train, plane, or large marine vessels. He said that those unable to get vaccinated would still be able to go through testing and screening measures.