Canada Just Extended Its Ban On Cruise Ships In Canadian Waters Until 2022

In an announcement on February 4, the federal government confirmed that cruise ships in Canada’s waters would be banned until February 2022.

It’s a measure that’s been in place since spring last year, but it was scheduled to end on February 28, 2021.

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Cruise vessels in Canadian waters pose a risk to our health care systems. Transport Canada

However, Transport Canada revealed in a statement that the ban would be extended by another year, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The two new Interim Orders prohibit all pleasure crafts in Canadian Arctic waters and cruise vessels in any Canadian waters. 

This means passenger vessels carrying more than 12 people continue to be prohibited from entering Arctic coastal waters, including Nunatsiavut, Nunavik and the Labrador Coast.

Cruise ships carrying 100 people will also be unable to operate in Canadian waters until at least February next year, per the notice.

There is no national ban in place for cruise ships carrying less than 100 people, although these vessels will be required to follow all local public health rules.

Boats used by local Arctic residents will not be affected by the update, according to Transport Canada.

Those who fail to comply with the new rules could face fines of up to $5,000 per day for individuals and $25,000 per day for groups or corporations. 

Anyone flouting the passenger vessel prohibition could face penalties of up to $1 million or even imprisonment.

Canadians are still advised to avoid all non-essential travel right now, including trips on cruise ships.