Minister Garneau clears Santa for take-off in Canadian airspace

Minister Garneau clears Santa for take-off in Canadian airspace

OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 16, 2020 /CNW/ - Transport Canada is pleased to announce that the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, has cleared Santa for take-off in Canadian airspace this Christmas season.

While many Canadians are restricting their holiday gatherings to limit the spread of COVID-19, Transport Canada officials have ensured that Santa and his reindeer have taken all necessary precautions so they can safely deliver presents to the boys and girls across the country.

Transport Canada safety experts have also conducted their routine sleigh and reindeer inspections and validated Santa's pilot license.

Santa has been washing his hands, maintaining a distance of two metres from the elves in the workshop, and has been wearing his face covering when unable to physically distance. Santa has also installed the COVID Alert app on his smartphone.

Additional measures are also in place to maintain safety during the pandemic, including a health check and temperature screening before the sleigh takes off.

Rest assured, Santa's rosy cheeks are a sign of good health. As for Rudolph, his nose is shining brighter than ever before and he and the other reindeer are healthy and ready for take-off!

Quotes

"This year, it's especially important for Santa to follow the measures in place for safe travel. Santa and his crew provide an essential service in Canada and I am thrilled to clear Santa for take-off in Canadian airspace this Christmas. I would like to remind Canadians to avoid non-essential travel and I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season."

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport 

Quick Facts

• You can track Santa and his reindeer on the NORAD Tracks Santa website and on Twitter following the #NoradTracksSanta hashtag.
• Are you required to travel? Here's what you need to know before you travel.
• Pointing a laser at Santa or the reindeer is not a bright idea. Laser attacks can temporarily blind, disorient and distract Santa and the reindeer.

Associated Links

• Video link on TC's website 
• COVID-19 measures, updates, and guidance issued by Transport Canada
• COVID-19: Plan a safe holiday or celebration
• Download COVID Alert today

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.

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SOURCE Transport Canada

Allison St-Jean, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-290-8656, [email protected]; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.tc.gc.ca/