By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Canada Games Council (CGC), with the endorsement of the 2022 Canada Games Host Society and the 2023 Canada Games Host Society, will implement a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all accredited individuals at the 2022 Canada Summer Games in Niagara Region and the 2023 Canada Winter Games on Prince Edward Island.
All accredited athletes, coaches, managers, technical officials, participant assistants, venue pass holders, mission staff, guests, and media must receive and provide proof of a complete and up-to-date series of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their arrival at the 2022 or the 2023 Canada Games.
The health and safety of all Canada Games participants and the people who live, work, and play in the communities hosting the Games is of the utmost importance. The CGC and the Host Societies firmly believe that vaccination is an appropriate mechanism to protect all members of the Canada Games family and the general public as we collectively strive to deliver safe and successful Games in 2022 and 2023.
The CGC, 2022 Canada Games Host Society and 2023 Canada Games Host Society will make accommodations for individuals who are either ineligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or have received an exemption on medical or religious grounds.
Eligible individuals who have not provided proof of vaccination or received an exemption will not be permitted to attend or participate in the 2022 or 2023 Canada Games.
Spectators of the 2022 and 2023 Canada Games will be subject to the current public health requirements of the respective host communities and the policies of the host venues.
The official policy and associated FAQs are available at canadagames.ca. Information pertaining to the implementation of the policy, including procedures regarding exemptions, will be made available no later than April 1, 2022.
