Maple News reports that health ministers from the G7 countries—Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan—have agreed to begin collaborative work on a standardized vaccine passport system. The initiative is part of a broader effort to facilitate safer international travel as global COVID-19 vaccination campaigns continue.
Canada’s Health Minister, Patty Hajdu, emphasized the importance of international consistency during the recent G7 meeting, stating that a unified approach would ensure that proof of vaccination is recognized across borders. “The G7 partners agreed there needs to be some consistency and collaboration among countries so we have a system that is recognizable no matter where someone is traveling,” Hajdu said.
However, Hajdu also pointed out existing uncertainties, particularly around whether vaccinated individuals can still transmit the virus. This hesitation is echoed by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), which stressed that vaccine-based privileges should be driven by robust and transparent scientific evidence.
“While COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada are highly effective at preventing illness,” PHAC said in a statement, “it remains unclear whether vaccinated individuals can be asymptomatic carriers and pose a public health risk.”
Decision-making on issuing vaccine passports within Canada will be left to provincial and territorial authorities, as they oversee local immunization programs. These jurisdictions will need to assess their record-keeping systems and capacity to implement such a system.
Globally, several countries are already making strides toward vaccine certification systems. The European Union recently proposed the “Digital Green Certificate,” which would prove if an individual has been vaccinated, tested negative for COVID-19, or recovered from the virus. This certificate would be valid across all EU member states and offered free of charge.
Israel has implemented its own “Green Pass” initiative, granting access to indoor venues such as gyms and hotels for those who are vaccinated or recovered. The pass could also serve as a travel document for entry into countries like Greece and Cyprus.
Meanwhile, the United States is developing its own vaccine passport solutions under President Joe Biden’s administration, with goals of making interstate and international travel more accessible and secure.
As global efforts accelerate, a harmonized vaccine passport protocol could become a key component of international recovery and mobility. Maple News will continue to monitor developments around vaccine passport policies that could impact international travelers, immigrants, and global workers alike.