Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security: Safety and Security of Passengers in Quarantine (March 10, 2021)

CBSA's role at the border

Proposed response

Border Services Officers (BSOs) facilitate legitimate trade and travel across Canada's border and keep Canadians safe by stopping illicit weapons and drugs and inadmissible people from coming into Canada.

In the context of the pandemic, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the port of entry are designated screening officers under the Quarantine Act.

As such, they assess every traveller's health status through visual inspection for symptoms, as well as a series of health screening questions as requested by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Travellers who appear ill, or answer "yes" to any of the screening questions, are referred to PHAC officers for further assessment.

In addition, CBSA officers ensure that travellers have submitted necessary contact information and, if required, a quarantine plan prior to entering, or upon entry to, Canada.

Since January 7, 2021, CBSA officers have also been responsible for ensuring that travellers who are required to submit evidence of a valid pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test, do so upon arrival. Travellers who do not have a molecular test are referred to PHAC.

Foreign nationals who arrive by land and who are not in possession of valid COVID-19 test results are refused entry and directed back to the United States by a CBSA officer.

BSOs must also determine a traveller's quarantine exemption status. Travellers who are exempt from quarantine, either through a provision of the Order in Council or a Chief Public Health Officer designation, are permitted to proceed into Canada unless other concerns are identified.

Travellers who arrive by air and who are not quarantine exempt must have arrangements for a three-night prepaid government approved accommodation (GAA) stop-over at their first point of arrival. BSOs ensure that travellers have evidence of a booking, and refer all non-exempt travellers with or without arrangements, to PHAC, including for transportation arrangements to a GAA.

At most land ports of entry, travellers are given test kits to self-administer a specimen collection. This test kit is given upon arrival at their place of quarantine and on day 10 of their 14-day quarantine period.

At land ports of entry where PHAC conducts on-site COVID-19 testing, the CBSA officers direct travellers to the test site upon completion of all customs and immigration processes.

In cases of non-compliance, CBSA officers make appropriate referrals to PHAC in accordance with established standard operating procedures.

Once a traveller is admitted into Canada, the responsibility to monitor individuals from a public health perspective falls within the mandate of the PHAC and provincial or territorial health authorities.

It is important to note that the CBSA does not issue fines in the enforcement of the Quarantine Act requirements; the decision on whether to pursue any enforcement action related to the public health orders rests with PHAC.

Government approved accommodation

Proposed response

The CBSA supports the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) in the administration of the public health and border measures.

Since February 22, 2021, travellers who are required to quarantine upon entry into Canada, with limited exemptions, are required to reserve, prior to departure to Canada, a three-night stay in a government approved accommodation.

Travellers are required to stay at their reserved hotel for up to three nights, at their own cost, while they await the results of the molecular test taken upon arrival at the Canadian airport.

From a CBSA perspective, upon arrival at the airport, the Border Services Officer will confirm if the traveller has evidence of a booking at a government-approved accommodation, or is exempt from the requirement.

Travellers who do not have a booking are referred to PHAC officials.

In cases where it is not explicitly clear if the traveller is exempt from the requirement, the traveller will also be referred to PHAC.

Travellers who are referred to PHAC are assessed by a public health official who will determine next steps.

All travellers who have a booking at a government approved accommodation then proceed to public health officials for testing and transportation to the approved accommodation.

If pressed on the number of referrals

Since the new measure was implemented (February 22 to March 7), 4,786 travellers who entered Canada by air have been referred to PHAC officials for failing to have a booking at a government approved accommodation.

This represents approximately 12% of air travellers who entered from February 22 to March 7.

Detention of foreign nationals facing removals

Proposed response

The CBSA has the sole federal authority to detain persons who are facing removal under section 55 of the Immigraton and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), and, as such, is responsible for the care and control of immigration detainees.

To protect the safety, health and security of Canadians and the integrity of our border, Canada's immigration laws permit the CBSA to detain individuals for lack of identity, for flight risk, and for danger to the public.

The IRPA also affords CBSA officers the legislative authority to impose conditions considered necessary to ensure an individual's compliance with immigration-related requirements.

CBSA officers work to ensure that they are exercising responsibility for detentions to the highest possible standards, by balancing the considerations of the physical and mental health and well-being of detainees as well as the safety and security of Canadians.

The CBSA's application of its detention authorities is risk-based and supports the selective use of detention in an immigration holding centre or provincial facility. Detention is a last resort. Alternatives to Detention are always considered prior to making a decision to detain.

Where safety or security is an issue, immigration detention is considered for the shortest time possible and primarily focused on supporting the removal of individuals.

Officers evaluate detainee risk through a standardized tool referred to as the National Risk Assessment for Detention. This process helps ensure national consistency of detention placement decisions in a transparent and objective way, and sets risk and vulnerability factors, which are assessed using a point system that will direct an officer on appropriate detention placement.

The CBSA's decision to detain a person is subject to ongoing review by the Immigration Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board, which is an independent administrative tribunal.

CBSA officers can detain a foreign national or permanent resident at a port of entry for reasons including but not limited to:

• There are reasons to believe that the person is inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights, serious criminality, criminality or organized criminality; or
• a danger to the public

If pressed on quarantine facilities and COVID-19 context

Quarantine facilities are not comparable to Immigration Holding Centres. The oversight of these government approved accommodation sites (or quarantine hotels) fall completely under the responsibility of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Immigration Holding Centres are the responsibility of the CBSA, but it is very important to note that these two facilities are mutually exclusive.

There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases at any Immigration Holding Centre.

If pressed on removals during COVID-19

Throughout the pandemic the Agency has continued to enforce removals for: those with serious inadmissibilities; those wishing to voluntarily leave Canada; removals conducted by ports-of-entry; and administrative removals for those who had departed voluntarily, but had not confirmed their departure.

On November 30, 2020, the CBSA resumed enforcing removals of all inadmissible persons.

Border Services Officer training

Proposed response

The CBSA provides regular briefings on the evolving COVID-19 situation to its Border Services Officers (BSOs) and to the Customs and Immigration Union.

The Agency also works closely with Health Canada (HC) and Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) experts to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect the public and frontline staff.

BSOs have been trained by occupational health officials from PHAC on the proper donning and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). As the situation evolves, officers are provided ongoing, updated information and training through information bulletins, shift briefings, information sessions and video.

To assist officers in performance of their duties as screening officers under the Quarantine Act, standard operating procedures were developed and clearly outline the processes to follow when:

• a traveller presents signs of a communicable disease subject to quarantine
• BSOs have reasonable grounds to suspect that a traveller may have a communicable disease subject to quarantine

The CBSA continues to follow the guidance of HC and PHAC with regards to personal protective equipment (in other words, wearing gloves when handling documents and baggage, wearing facial protection when processing travellers, etc).

As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, BSOs will remain diligent in following the processes when screening travellers for signs of communicable diseases subject to quarantine.

If pressed

In addition to training on PPE and detecting infected travellers, BSOs receive regular guidance with respect to OIC requirements. Technical briefings are held to inform operations whenever substantive changes are being made to policy or procedures. Additionally, handouts are provided to officers for ease of reference in determining exempt vs non-exempt travellers.

The CBSA's Border Task Force is available 24/7 to consult on any operational questions.

Guidance has been specifically provided to regional personnel to understand the processes and requirements of handing out test kits, as well as the safe storage of these test kits.

In addition, calls with all regions take place twice weekly in order to highlight any concerns that may be arising in the operations. If anything needs to be addressed, subsequent field guidance is sent to all regional staff.

Learning products are continually updated to reflect changes in the Orders in Council. Currently, they are being updated to focus on procedural guidance to ensure clarity in the interpretation of the new rules and operational processes.

COVID-19 testing at ports of entry

Proposed response

The Government has implemented enhanced public health measures at the land border to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection and related variants, as it pertains to international travel.

As of February 15, all travellers, with some exceptions, must provide proof of a valid COVID-19 molecular test, which includes:

• a negative molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before seeking entry into Canada. For travellers arriving at a land port of entry (POE), the test must be taken in the United States (U.S.); or
• a prior positive COVID-19 molecular test taken at least 14 and no more than 90 days before entry into Canada

Air travellers who do not have a valid test are denied boarding.

Travellers who arrive at a POE without a valid test may be sent to a designated quarantine facility and may be subject to enforcement action, including a fine.

Foreign nationals seeking entry from the U.S. who do not have a valid molecular test will not be allowed into Canada.

Exemptions to the pre-arrival test requirement are in place for some travellers, including air crew, truckers, cross-border workers, emergency service providers, and those in remote communities who must cross the border to access essential services.

As of February 22, 2021, travellers entering Canada by land or air who are required to quarantine, with limited exceptions, are required to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival as well as on day 10 of their 14-day quarantine.

These new measures, in combination with those already implemented, aim to reduce the risk of the importation and transmission of COVID-19 and new variants of the virus related to international travel.

The Government continues to engage with partners in the U.S. to strengthen our border measures and keep both countries safe.

If pressed on frequent cross-border travellers

The Government of Canada continues to look at options for workers and travellers who habitually cross the border. The aim of such a program would be to help protect those essential workers who are coming into the country and also to ensure that they're not the source of any new infection.

Compliance and enforcement information collection

Proposed response

As part of Canada's efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent further introduction of the virus all travellers are required to provide contact and quarantine information upon and after entry into Canada.

To assist with the enforcement of the mandatory quarantine or isolation requirements, the CBSA is collecting additional contact information for all inbound international travellers.

On behalf of PHAC, the CBSA captures basic biographical data, contact information, and quarantine-based information of all travellers, with limited exceptions, while in Canada.

Travellers are required to submit the following information electronically before they board their flight, or before/when arriving at a land border crossing:

• travel and contact information
• quarantine plan (unless exempted from the quarantine requirement)
• COVID-19 symptom self-assessment

This information is used by the CBSA at the border to ensure traveller compliance. Furthermore, all information collected is shared with PHAC which, in turn, determines when and how to share this information with provincial/territorial authorities and/or law enforcement.

It is important to note that the CBSA does not issue fines in the enforcement of the Quarantine Act requirements; the decision on whether to pursue any enforcement action related to the public health orders rests with PHAC.

Key Statistics

88% of records are collected and shared with PHAC in an electronic means.

As of March 2, 2021, traveller data from a total of 8,333,740 had been received by PHAC in all modes.

• 1,008,377 (12%) submissions via the paper forms
• 96,540 (1%) web-based submissions (including through the ArriveCAN web application)
• 6,415,802 (77%) submissions using desktop
• 813,021 (10%) submissions via the ArriveCAN mobile application

CBSA's role in vaccine distribution

Proposed response

The importation of vaccines into Canada is regulated by Health Canada under the Food and Drugs Act.

The CBSA administers these regulations on behalf of Health Canada at the border. CBSA Border Services Officers ensure that shipments are accompanied by all required import documentation and that all Health Canada requirements are met in order for the goods to be released into Canada.

The CBSA detains and refers any suspected non-compliant importations to Health Canada inspectors for an admissibility determination.

On September 16, 2020, the Minister of Health signed the Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19 (the Interim Order).

This Interim Order allows for the expedited issuance of the approvals and documentation required to import vaccines and drugs used in relation to COVID-19 to Canada.

Vaccines importations to Canada are duty free and not subject to GST.

The CBSA is working in close collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada (including their National Operations Centre), Health Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and Central Agencies, to oversee and manage the smooth customs clearance and release of vaccine shipments.

The CBSA is also working in collaboration with industry trade chain partners, including importers, couriers, freight forwarders and brokers, to ensure a high level of visibility on all vaccine importations so clearance can be prioritized.

The CBSA has established policy and operational guidance, that has resulted in the efficient clearance of all shipments, with no delays or impacts to delivery schedules of vaccines to the ultimate destination.

Since December, over 600 shipments of vaccines have been imported at multiple land and air ports of entry across the country.

False COVID test certificates

Proposed response

Since January 7, 2021, all persons five years of age and older travelling to Canada by air have been required to provide evidence of a valid COVID-19 molecular test in order to board an aircraft.

On February 15, 2021, this requirement was extended to all persons five years of age or older travelling to Canada by land.

Border Services Officers (BSOs) are designated screening officers under the Quarantine Act and have the authority to review and confirm a traveller's statements and documents presented at the time of entry.

These officers are trained in examination and investigative techniques, and supported by intelligence and other information to assist in the verification of document authenticity.

At the port of entry, CBSA BSOs verify whether travellers have the appropriate documentary evidence of a valid COVID-19 molecular test result.

Where questions arise with regards to the validity of a traveller's health status or documents, the traveller will be referred to a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) staff member who will make the final determination.

With that said, all travellers arriving in Canada are obligated by Canadian law to respond truthfully to all questions asked by a BSO.

Providing false or misleading information to a Government of Canada official, including providing fraudulent documents, is a serious offence and may result in penalties and/or criminal charges.

If pressed

This is something that the CBSA takes very seriously and we are taking concrete actions to address this issue.

For example, in late January, the CBSA disseminated a bulletin to front-line and overseas staff alerting them to the possibility of fraudulent or falsified COVID-19 tests.

This included outlining steps to take in reviewing such documents at the port of entry, and actions to be taken when encountering such documents.

Furthermore, in early February, the Agency developed a communique with tips for detecting fraudulent or falsified COVID-19 test results and disseminated this product to front-line staff.

We have also created a repository of known and suspected fraudulent or falsified test results from Canada and around the world to help officers detect questionable documents.

The CBSA, along with its domestic and international partners, continues to monitor the global environment and take the steps required to keep Canada and Canadians safe.

ArriveCAN

Proposed response

As of February 22, 2021, all travellers, with limited exceptions, whether entering Canada by air or land, must use ArriveCAN.

Travellers are required to submit the following information electronically before they board their flight, or before/when arriving at a land border crossing:

• travel and contact information
• quarantine plan (unless exempted from the quarantine requirement)
• COVID-19 symptom self-assessment

There are a few exceptions, including for travellers who cannot do so because of a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption, or a natural disaster.

Travellers seeking entry by marine are required to submit their information in any form deemed appropriate by a Screening Officer before or when entering Canada, and are strongly encouraged to do so using ArriveCAN.

All travellers in all modes (unless otherwise exempt) are required to submit information through ArriveCAN or by calling the toll-free number, within 48 hours of their arrival and on a regular basis during their quarantine period.

Travellers who do not submit the mandatory information required after they have crossed the border will be considered a high priority for follow-up by law enforcement.

If pressed on usage statistics

As of February 28, 2021, 1,115,801 travellers have submitted their information using either the ArriveCAN mobile or web application. Of this number, 932,935 travellers entered by air, 182,626 travellers entered by land and 240 travellers entered by marine mode.

As of January 31, 2021, ArriveCAN had been downloaded 1,153,060 times.

From February 1, 2021, to February 28, 2021, approximately 87% of all air travellers entering Canada submitted the required information using ArriveCAN.

In the land mode, since the requirement for travellers to submit their information electronically came into effect, 14% of land travellers have submitted their information using ArriveCAN (February 22, 2021, to February 28, 2021). This is an improvement from usage rates of 2% prior to the new requirement.

Usage

Total users and submissions: All modes

Number of Apple and Google downloads as of January 31: 1,153,060

Air mode

Land mode

Marine mode

Essential workers

Proposed response

As of February 14, 2021, all international travellers, with limited exceptions, arriving into Canada must comply with quarantine and isolation requirements.

However, essential workers are exempt from mandatory quarantine in order to prevent disruption of the vital supply chains and essential services on which Canada depends.

Essential workers exempt under the emergency order include, but are not limited to:

• trade and transportation sector workers moving people and goods across the border
• workers who cross the border regularly to their normal place of employment including critical infrastructure workers
• technicians who enter Canada to maintain critical infrastructure
• emergency service providers including peace officers, firefighters and paramedics are required to provide services within 14 days
• domestic or foreign law enforcement performing specified duties
• crew members and members of Canadian or visiting Forces

Critical infrastructure relates to energy and utilities, information and communication technologies; finance; health; food; water; transportation; safety, government and manufacturing.

It should be noted that there are strict requirements for travellers to follow, even if they are exempt from quarantine, including:

• wearing a mask at all times when in public spaces
• maintaining a list of all close contacts for their first 14 days in Canada

Prohibition of entry (non U.S.)

Proposed response

Travel to Canada by air and marine modes is prohibited for all foreign nationals, unless they are exempt and not seeking entry for an optional or discretionary purpose, until April 21, 2021.

There are a number of exemptions to this prohibition, including (but not exclusive to):

• airline or marine crew members
• diplomats and their immediate family
• persons that have a valid work or study permit or for whom an application to work or study has been approved
• persons invited by the Minister of Health that will assist with the COVID-19 response
• international-to-International travel through Canada (arriving and departing from the same Canadian airport within 24 hours)

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Citizenship and Immigration, and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness may also authorize entry for any person or class of persons whose presence in Canada is determined to be in the national interest.

Foreign nationals must abide by all public health requirements related to COVID-19 issued pursuant to the Quarantine Act, and provide proof of a valid COVID-19 molecular test, which includes:

• a negative molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before seeking entry into Canada; or
• a prior positive COVID-19 molecular test taken between 14 to 90 days before entry into Canada

In addition, these travellers must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and will be required to submit their travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, electronically via ArriveCAN before crossing the border.

As of February 22, 2021, travellers entering Canada, with limited exceptions, will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival as well as towards the end of their 14-day quarantine.

Additionally, asymptomatic foreign nationals who are immediate or extended family members of a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act are permitted to enter Canada to be with their family members.

They must also establish at the time of entry that they intend to stay with their family members and to remain in Canada for a period of at least 15 days.

Extended family members must also have a statutory declaration attesting to their relationship signed by the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian; and are required to have a written authorization to enter Canada from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) prior to arriving at a Canadian port of entry.

Foreign nationals seeking entry for compassionate reasons, such as attending a funeral or providing support to a critically ill person residing in Canada, are exempt from the prohibition on entry.

Foreign nationals seeking entry for compassionate reasons must be in possession of a travel authorization letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada before arriving at the port of entry.

International students can only enter Canada to study if they have a valid study permit and if their school is on an approved list of learning institutions that are capable of receiving students from abroad while respecting public health measures. This list is provided by provincial authorities and maintained and published by IRCC.

As of December 1st, 2020, high performance amateur athletes and supporting personnel participating or engaging in International Single Sport Events can seek entry into Canada after receiving an authorization letter from Heritage Canada.

Notwithstanding the exemptions, all foreign nationals are prohibited from entering if they display signs and symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever and cough, or a fever and breathing difficulties.

In the current fiscal year (up to January 18, 2021), we have processed 18,622 cargo vessels so far. This figure includes rail, marine and air vessels.

As of January 20, 2021, 834 foreign nationals were denied entry to Canada as a result of the prohibition of certain foreign nationals from entering Canada from a country other than the U.S. by air (from foreign locations other than the U.S.). In addition, 478 foreign nationals, other than U.S. citizens, were denied entry to Canada from the U.S. by air for discretionary travel reasons.

If pressed on enhanced processing for travellers who have been in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil

On the recommendation of the PHAC, as of January 16, 2021, the CBSA implemented additional measures, specifically for persons who have been in Brazil, in the 14 days prior to seeking entry into Canada.

Any passengers travelling to Canada who have been in the United Kingdom or South Africa in the previous 14 days may be subject to secondary screening and will be subject to increased scrutiny of quarantine plans.

Whether seeking entry to Canada in air or land mode, all travellers who have been in Brazil within the period of 14 days prior to day they seek entry to Canada will be referred to PHAC, either on site or via the PHAC Central Notification System.

Restrictions of entry (U.S.)

Proposed response

The Canada – U.S. border is open for essential travel that supports trade and our economy.

On March 18, 2020, the Governments of Canada and the United States announced that both countries would be implementing collaborative and reciprocal measures to suspend non-essential travel along the Canada-U.S. border in response to the spread of COVID-19. These measures are in effect until March 21, 2021.

Travel by asymptomatic people who have to cross the border to go to work or for other essential purposes, such as medical care, continues.

As of February 15, 2021, foreign nationals arriving from the U.S. must provide proof of a valid COVID-19 molecular test, which includes:

• a negative molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before seeking entry into Canada. For travellers arriving at a land port of entry (POE) the test must be taken in the United States; or
• a prior positive COVID-19 molecular test taken between 14 to 90 days before entry into Canada

Foreign nationals who do not have a valid molecular test will not be allowed into Canada.

As of February 22, all persons, whether arriving in the air or land mode, must submit quarantine and contact information electronically (ArriveCAN) before boarding a plane to Canada or before arriving at the border, subject to limited exceptions.

As of February 22, all travellers, with limited exceptions, will be required to undergo COVID-19 molecular testing on arrival and to take a second test later in the 14-day post-entry period towards the end of their quarantine.

Additionally, asymptomatic foreign nationals who are immediate or extended family members of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian are permitted to enter Canada to be with their family members.

These foreign nationals must abide by all public health requirements related to COVID-19 issued pursuant to the Quarantine Act, including the requirement to self-quarantine for 14 days and provide quarantine-related information.

They must also establish at the time of entry that they intend to stay with their family members and to remain in Canada for a period of at least 15 days.

Extended family members must also have a statutory declaration attesting to their relationship signed by the Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian; and are required to have a written authorization to enter Canada from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) prior to arriving at a Canadian port of entry.

Foreign nationals seeking entry for compassionate reasons, such as attending a funeral or providing support to a critically ill person residing in Canada, are exempt from the prohibition on entry.

Foreign nationals seeking entry for compassionate reasons must be in possession of a travel authorization letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada before arriving at the port of entry.

International students can only enter Canada to study if they have a valid study permit and if their school is on an approved list of learning institutions that are capable of receiving students from abroad while respecting public health measures. This list is provided by provincial authorities and maintained and published by IRCC.

Foreign nationals are prohibited from entering Canada for the purpose of claiming refugee protection unless they meet a limited set of exceptions, if arriving between ports of entry or, they meet an exception under the Safe Third Country Agreement, which applies at ports of entry.

Claimants may also be allowed entry if their presence in Canada is determined by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to be in the national or public interest.

All travellers arriving in Canada, including workers who provide essential services, are subject to questioning about their health.

These measures apply in land, air, rail and marine modes.

As of December 1st, high performance amateur athletes and supporting personnel participating or engaging in International Single Sport Events can seek entry into Canada after receiving an authorization letter from Heritage Canada.

If pressed on cross-border students

The Order in Council pertaining to mandatory quarantine and isolation has been amended to exempt cross-border students from the requirement to quarantine as long as they attend school on a regular basis and meet additional requirements outlined in that Order.

If pressed on opening up the border

The Government of Canada continues to adjust its posture as required given this is a very fluid situation.

The Government of Canada will continue to explore a risk based and gradual approach to the easing of travel restrictions.

The Government has introduced some measures to ease some border restrictions for family, students and compassionate cases, while balancing the public health risk.

The effective travel restrictions that Canada has implemented continue to mitigate importation risks and provide confidence to Canadians.

The Government of Canada will continue to use a science and risk based approach when considering how to move forward with the easing of border and travel restrictions.

Between April 1, 2020 and January 19, 2021, 7,589,439 individuals entered Canada from the United States, an 88.7% decrease from the same period of time last year (67,170,125 from April 1, 2019 to January 19, 2020).

Since the implementation of the travel restrictions for travellers seeking entry from the U.S., to January 20, 2021:

• 25,697 U.S. citizens were denied entry to Canada from the U.S. in the land/rail/marine mode for discretionary travel reasons
• 3,567 foreign nationals (non U.S. citizens) were denied entry to Canada from the U.S. in the land/rail/marine mode for discretionary travel reasons
• 2,074 foreign nationals were denied entry to Canada from the U.S. in air mode for discretionary travel reasons, of which, 1,596 were U.S. citizens and 478 were other foreign nationals

Travellers isolation and quarantine obligations

Proposed response

Under the Quarantine Act Emergency Order, all international travellers, with limited exceptions, arriving in Canada must undergo a COVID-19 molecular testing pre- and post-arrival and must have a suitable quarantine plan for the mandatory 14-day period, which starts on the date they arrive.

All travellers (5 years of age or older), with some exceptions, must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result before boarding an aircraft to Canada, or provide a positive test result obtained in the prior 14 to 90 days to show they are no longer infectious.

As of February 15, 2021, travellers arriving by land, with limited exceptions, must present evidence of a COVID-19 molecular test taken with 72 hours in the U.S. before arriving at the port of entry.

As of February 22, all travellers must submit mandatory health information digitally, including contact information and/or a suitable quarantine plan, to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) using the ArriveCAN application before boarding a plane to Canada or before arriving at a land port of entry.

As of February 22, all travellers, with limited exceptions, will be required to undergo COVID-19 molecular testing on arrival and to take a second test later in the 14-day post-entry period towards the end of their quarantine.

As of February 22, unless exempt, air travellers must submit evidence of a prepaid reservation for three nights at a government authorized accommodation (hotel) near the first airport of entry. Air travellers will be required to stay at their reserved hotel up to 3 days, at their own cost, while they await the result of their arrival test.

Travellers who receive a negative result on their arrival test will proceed to their suitable quarantine location to complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Travellers who become symptomatic, who test positive on their arrival test or who do not have a suitable quarantine plan will be referred to PHAC and may be directed to complete their quarantine at a Designated Quarantine Facility (DQF).

As of February 22, 2021, five land ports of entry will offer onsite testing to test travellers on arrival, and an additional 11 ports of entry will offer onsite testing as of March 4, 2021.

Travellers at ports of entry without onsite testing will be provided with swab kits and real-time, online guidance to self-administer the first test in their quarantine location on the first day, and a second test towards the end of their quarantine period.

Every person entering Canada is required to answer any questions asked by a screening officer, quarantine officer, public health official, or peace officer for the duration of the 14-day period beginning on the day they enter Canada.

Government of Canada representatives conduct health screening at the time of entry to Canada to determine the need for quarantine or isolation.

Non-compliant travellers who are not exempt from testing or quarantine requirements will be referred to PHAC for further assessment and possible enforcement action including fines up to $3,000 and criminal prosecution.

If pressed on testing and quarantine exemptions

Cross-border students who attend school in Canada and in the U.S. on a regular basis and their drivers are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements when entering Canada, subject to certain conditions.

Residents of certain remote cross-border communities, who only cross the Canada-U.S. border to access the closest available necessities, are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements; these include:

Northwest Angle, Minnesota; Hyder, Alaska; Campobello Island, New Brunswick; and Stewart, British Columbia.

Direct backs from the U.S. are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements as long as they never left their vehicle.

Foreign nationals who are not otherwise prohibited to enter Canada will be refused entry (with limited exceptions) if they do not have a valid pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test result.

If pressed on more stringent suitable quarantine plan

Quarantine plan requirements are more stringent to strengthen the mandatory 14-day quarantine:

• Travellers must avoid all contact with others in their household with whom they did not travel
• Travellers must not stay with at-risk subpopulations or anyone who works with such a person

If pressed on other measures to mitigate spread of virus at border

All travellers entering Canada must:

• arrange for a suitable place to quarantine or isolate
• go directly to place of quarantine or isolation for 14 days, unless instructed differently by a Quarantine Officer
• wear a non-medical mask or face covering in transit
• not have any guests
• monitor for any symptoms

If pressed on BSO authorities

BSOs are referred to as screening officers under the Quarantine Act and are therefore empowered to review, challenge and confirm travellers' statements and direct to a Quarantine Officer.

BSOs have no discretion in the enforcement of quarantine requirements.