Canada Loosened COVID-19 Testing Requirements For Travelers On February 28, 2022

The Public Health Agency of Canada (the "Agency") is a federal government agency with a mandate to prevent disease and respond to public health threats. The federal Quarantine Act (the "Act") authorizes various activities to protect public health including measures that can be taken in respect of international travellers.¹ Under the authority of the Act, the Agency issues Orders in Council ("Orders") to describe emergency protocols applicable during the coronavirus pandemic.²

The conditions of the pandemic are dynamic. For example, the emergence of the Omicron variant presented an additional challenge to the government to ensure that Orders reflect the circumstances of the day. Keeping Canadians, permanent residents and other travellers safe is an activity requiring continuous review. Throughout the pandemic, the Agency has been revising the OICs almost every month.  Travellers are strongly advised to consult the latest Orders for the most up-to-date requirements