Ottawa, Ont. – 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 CGC COVID-19 vaccination policy is 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.

-30-

‍

Vaccination Policy FAQs

Why is vaccination required for accredited individuals at the 2022 and 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 Canada Games bring together participants from across Canada into a multi-sport Games environment with shared accommodations, transportation, dining space, competition and training venues. The Canada Games Council (CGC) and the 2022 and 2023 Host Societies, in consultation with our stakeholders, believe that vaccination is an appropriate mechanism to protect all members of the Canada Games family and the general public as we strive to deliver safe and successful Games in 2022 and 2023.

Who does this vaccination policy apply to?

This vaccination policy applies to all accredited individuals attending the 2022 and 2023 Canada Games, including athletes, coaches, managers, technical officials, participant assistants, venue pass holders, mission staff, guests and media.

CGC and Host Society staff, contractors and Games-time volunteers must also be fully vaccinated under separate corporate policies.

Is there a proof of vaccination requirement for spectators?

Spectators at the 2022 and 2023 Canada Games will be subject to the public health requirements of the respective host communities and/or the policies of the host venues at the time of the Games.

Who is considered fully vaccinated?

An individual is considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they 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.

What if I’m not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination or I require an exemption on medical or protected religious grounds?

The CGC, the 2022 Canada Games Host Society and the 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.

Procedures regarding exemption requests will be made available no later than April 1, 2022.

What happens if individuals do not provide proof of vaccination or a valid medical or religious exemption?

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.

Can I provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to be eligible to participate in the 2022 or 2023 Canada Games?

No. A negative COVID-19 test represents a snapshot in time and does not guarantee that a participant has not contracted COVID-19 prior to their arrival at the Games. Therefore a negative test will not be accepted as a substitute for vaccination. Vaccination is an appropriate mechanism that will help protect all members of the Canada Games family and the general public in the delivery of a safe and successful Games in 2022 and 2023.

How will proof of vaccination be assessed? Will my health information be collected and stored?

Information pertaining to the implementation of the policy, including procedures regarding exemptions, will be made available no later than April 1, 2022.