Hon. Jane Cordy: Senator Gold, my question this afternoon is a follow-up to my questions from November 25 regarding the vaccination status of Canadians and their ability to travel, particularly to the United States. Although, with the news we received this week, I am guessing there will be a lot less travel across the country and certainly across borders.

We know that, as of early November, the United States government approved mixed vaccinations for entry into their country, so my question relates to the mixing of vaccinations. From the outset of the national vaccination rollout, the federal government recommended and encouraged mixing vaccinations to get as many Canadians fully vaccinated as soon as possible for the protection of public health. I believe this was a positive approach because many Canadians were vaccinated in a relatively short period of time.

Like Senator Kutcher, I’m particularly proud of my province of Nova Scotia for their vaccination efforts and for the ease of access to testing there. Nova Scotians, as Senator Kutcher said, can pick up free rapid testing kits at vaccination sites, at testing sites, at libraries and even at their local liquor store. It should be like this across the country.

But back to the mixed vaccinations, which is what my question concerns — some Canadians who have mixed vaccinations are left uncertain. Information is not easy to find and can be confusing or contradictory. Only last week, the EU expressly recommended the use of mix-and-match vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration in the United States have approved mixed vaccinations. However, this summer, the World Health Organization issued a warning against mixed vaccinations.

There are far too many uncertainties. Understandably, Canadians are confused and worried. Senator Gold, I wonder if you can give us assurances that the federal government will alleviate Canadians’ anxieties regarding mixed vaccinations, particularly in light of the increased spread of the new variants of COVID.

Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, my question today is in response to concerns raised to me by a number of Nova Scotians, often when my husband and I were out for walks in our neighbourhood. This concern was expressed by many Canadians who, in good faith and on the advice of Health Canada, received their vaccinations at the earliest opportunity.

Many travel to the United States for business or pleasure during non-COVID times. As we moved closer to reopening our borders, there was much confusion and anxiety about whether the U.S. would allow Canadians with mixed vaccines into their country. It was a relief to many when the U.S. announced last month that, as of November 8, Canadians with any combination of two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by U.S. regulators or the World Health Organization will be considered fully vaccinated and able to enter the United States.

Senator Gold, my question is this: Does the same apply for other international destinations? Will the Government of Canada make this information readily available to the public? I guess the big thing is, will it be easy to find and understand? Because that’s extremely important.

In the Speech from the Throne this week, the government stated that it had ensured a standardized Canadian proof of vaccination for domestic and international use. Do all international jurisdictions recognize Canadian proof of vaccination? What, if any, vaccinations are or are not internationally recognized? Thank you.