Truckers faced a patchwork of provincial vaccine passport rules

In September 2021, provincial proof-of-vaccination systems began to affect truck drivers on the road, especially when it came to sitting down for a meal.

Ontario's rules

Ontario announced on Sept. 1, 2021, that starting Sept. 22, people would need to be fully vaccinated, and show proof along with photo ID, to enter settings such as indoor restaurants and bars, gyms and event venues. Patios, takeout and delivery were excluded, as were settings such as grocery stores and places offering medical care.

According to the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA), the province's rules did not require proof of vaccination to use a washroom, pay for or pick up an order, or make a retail purchase. OTA said drivers from other provinces could meet Ontario's requirement with a vaccination receipt from their home province plus valid ID, such as a driver's licence.

A national snapshot

On Sept. 24, 2021, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), working with all the provincial trucking associations, released a "vaccination passport snapshot" for drivers travelling between provinces for work. It set out each province's proof-of-vaccination rules and start dates, whether masks were required, and whether restaurant and washroom access was available regardless of vaccination status, where provinces had clarified that.

CTA said it would update the document as public health measures changed.