After telling Canadian travellers they could be fined for not using the federal ArriveCAN application, the federal government announced that its mandatory pre-arrival platform is down due to the nation-wide Rogers network outage.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) tweeted on Friday that people entering Canada “may not be able” to file their submissions and will have to fill out a form instead.
“Due to the current Rogers network outage, travellers may not be able to complete their ArriveCAN submission,” tweeted the CBSA.
“For the duration of the outage, impacted travellers are required to submit their information using the Traveller Contact Information Form, to be completed prior to arrival at the border if unable to submit via ArriveCAN.”
Travellers are now being asked to provide paper proof of vaccination and other mandatory government documents.
“Travellers who are not affected by the current Rogers network outage are required to continue to submit their mandatory information via the ArriveCAN application,” wrote the CBSA.
Yesterday, the official Twitter account of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada threatened travellers with fines and other consequences for not using the app prior to arrival.
“Using ArriveCAN is the best way to speed up your airport experience. Failure to complete your ArriveCAN submission can impact your eligibility exemptions, may result in fines, and creates longer wait times for all arriving at the border,” wrote the department.
The Liberals have signaled that ArriveCAN is here to stay despite pushback from the opposition calling on the government to remove the remaining pandemic measures to alleviate pressures on airports.
“Conservatives continue to call for a return to pre-pandemic travel rules and staffing levels to help alleviate the delays and disarray we continue to see at Canada’s airports, including ending the mandatory usage of the ArriveCan app,” said Conservative transport critic Melissa Lantsman.
Airports throughout Canada have already been plagued with continuous delays and long lines despite steps by Ottawa to hire extra staff and launch a task force to manage the problem.
