COVID-19 information for the transportation industry

Air operations in Canada

Canada is the world’s third-largest aviation market, with 18 million km2 of airspace managed by NAV CANADA.  In 2018, 6.5 million aircraft movements took place at airports, 3.7 million of which were made by airlines. General aviation companies made the other 2.8 million, which were itinerant and local (other commercial, private and government).

Managing the onboarding process

Transport Canada issued guidance for managing air travellers, including managing the onboarding process for flights departing from a Canadian aerodrome, U.S. transborder airports and international airports.

Marine operations in Canada

The marine transportation sector provides a vital service to all Canadians in ensuring the safe movement of goods (food, medicine, supplies to health care sector, and other essential products) and people. It is also important for resupply and as a transportation link, playing a vital role for coastal and island communities.

Commercial shipping vessels and at ports

Canada’s ports play a key role in the economy and international trade. The marine transportation sectors on the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic coasts are prepared for the higher risks posed by COVID-19.

We have created a poster [PDF] and a guide [PDF] showing how the marine community can keep employees safe, while moving goods safely and efficiently through our ports.

We have also introduced these measures for marine industry workers:

• Extension of Certification period of marine personnel certificates due to COVID-19.
• Mobility of asymptomatic workers in the marine sector, which includes:
  • crew change;
  • shore leave for seafarers, and
  • exemption from self-isolation requirements

Working at Transport Canada-owned public ports

Please see the list of public ports owned by Transport Canada. Public ports are following the guidance of their local health authorities.

Canada Port Authorities

Canada’s Port Authorities have also put measures in place. Please check with them for any procedures they put in place. Refer to the guide on keeping marine workers safe at ports [PDF].

More information

• Marine measures taken in response to COVID-19

Railway operations in Canada

Canada’s rail operations help sustain nearly every part of the Canadian economy, including our manufacturing, agricultural, natural resource, wholesale and retail sectors, transit, and tourism.

The passenger rail sector provides commuter, intercity and tourist transportation services. Passenger rail is either federally or provincially regulated. 

• Rail measures taken in response to COVID-19
• Guidance around Managing the Onboarding Process for federally-regulated Intercity passenger rail.

Road operations in Canada

Road transportation is the dominant mode for moving both freight and passengers across Canada. Trucking is the primary form of freight transportation. Our country is linked from the Pacific to Atlantic coasts by a network of connecting highways anchored by the Trans-Canada Highway. Canada also has extensive road networks across its southern, more populated areas.

Keeping commercial drivers safe

Truck drivers move all of the essential products Canadians depend on, including all the medical and sanitation supplies to combat the spread of this virus. They also move emergency relief and food products, as well as materials used to manufacture and process essential goods, the fuels that move them, and a multitude of other items the supply chain depends on.

As an essential service, the trucking industry knows it’s being counted on to make sure that goods are being safely transported. In line with this, the Canadian Trucking Alliance has issued a Resource Document for the Canadian Trucking Industry [PDF].

Transport Canada, in collaboration with PHAC and Employment and Social Development Canada, developed guidance to protect drivers and employees working in commercial vehicle operations: Federal safety guidance to protect drivers and limit the spread of COVID-19 in commercial vehicle operations.

To help commercial vehicle drivers to choose and correctly use different types of personal protective equipment (PPE), we’ve also issued a guidance document: Personal Protective Equipment and their Use by Commercial Drivers

More information

• Road measures taken in response to COVID-19

Provincial/territorial commercial driver information

School bus operations

We have worked with PHAC and Employment and Social Development Canada to develop recommendmeasures to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 in school bus operations.

If you’re thinking about installing a shield or enclosure to protect a school bus drivers from exposure to COVID-19, please read the Joint Guidance Document Transport Canada and CSA D250 School Bus Technical Committee.

Federal resources

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

The CCOHS has developed a pandemic guide sheet for operating in the transportation sector [PDF] during a pandemic as well as a more specific one for airlines and ground crews [PDF]. They also have a sheet which can help in screening for COVID-19 [PDF]. Each document offers health and safety tips and best practices for employers and workers. Organizations and businesses can use this guidance to protect their workers and prevent the spread of infections.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, PHAC has provided leadership and guidance which includes their risk-informed decision making guidelines for workplaces and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, provinces and territories have required many non-essential; workplaces and businesses to close during the pandemic. Check your provincial website for a list of essential workers and businesses.

The Government of Canada has lots of information for Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic, including advice on travel, safety and security.

Provincial and territorial resources

You should follow your local your public health authorities’ COVID-19 recommendations.

Crown Corporations and Agencies

International Resources

Association Resources