Straight Talk

Video: Justin Trudeau talks about fines and prison time for people who don't follow federal rules around travel

by Charlie Smith on January 5th, 2021 at 11:59 AM
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      Canada's prime minister has some blunt words for anyone thinking of flying south this winter.

      "We've been very clear," Justin Trudeau said. "No one should be vacationing abroad right now."

      He also declared that if someone chooses to travel at their own risk, they must show a negative test for COVID-19 in order to return to Canada.

      "And you must self-isolate for two weeks when you get back," Trudeau insisted. "You need to take this seriously. Not following the rules could mean real consequences, including fines and prison time."

      He also pointed out that the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit should not be used to offset the cost of being in self-isolation following nonessential travel.

      "It is not intended for travellers who are quarantining when they are returning from holiday."

      The prime minister also praised those who followed public-health recommendations, which often involved giving up "so much more than a vacation".

      "There's a reason so many Canadians did their part," Trudeau said. "It was for the people around them—for the senior that is better protected, for the frontline worker who is safer on the job, for the small business owner, who could look with more confidence to reopening.

      "We can't let the sacrifices we made over the holidays—and the last 10 months—go to waste."

      Video: Justin Trudeau spoke to reporters outside Rideau Cottage today.

      Two members of Trudeau's Liberal caucus—Kamal Khera and Sameer Zuberi—left the country over the holidays.

      This was despite repeated recommendations from Canada's chief public health officer, Theresa Tam, to avoid nonessential travel.

      Khera described the purpose of her travel as "essential" as she joined her late uncle's only daughter for a private memorial with fewer than 10 people in Seattle.

      Zuberi tweeted that he and his family travelled to see his wife's ailing grandfather in Delaware.

      Trudeau expressed disappointment in both of them, noting that they've both resigned their parliamentary committee positions.

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