Many Canadian travellers will soon be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 according to new policies announced yesterday by the federal government.

The move comes as Ottawa declared its intention to make vaccines mandatory for workers in the federal public service.

Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra says the requirement will apply to all commercial air travellers, those on interprovincial trains, and passengers on large marine vessels with overnight accommodations.

While they cite cruise ships as an example, it is yet unclear what the policy will mean for ferry services in the gulf.

A spokesperson for Marine Atlantic says they are reviewing details in yesterday’s announcement and will work with Transport Canada to clarify how the federal directive applies to their operations.

Meanwhile, Air Canada has thrown its support behind the announcement. The company says it is awaiting further information but calls the requirement a “welcome step forward” in the effort to protect customers and employees.

The requirements will be rolled out by the end of October.