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MEDIA RELEASE: Ten things Ontarians need to know prior to booking travel abroad

Oct 26, 2021

4 min

Kaitlynn Furse



CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) has compiled a list of ten things that Ontarians should be aware of if they are considering travelling abroad.


“Now that the Canadian government is no longer advising against non-essential travel due to COVID-19, those who are considering booking a trip should make sure they understand the scope of what travel looks like at the moment,” said Kaitlynn Furse, director, corporate communications, CAA Club Group. “The checklist for planning a trip has changed and we want to help people navigate this new environment.”


Through consultation with its top travel agents, CAA SCO has identified ten key considerations that potential travellers may not be aware of. Anyone who is considering travel in the current environment should make sure they have looked into the following and remember that travel requirements and regulations are continually changing.


1. Confirm the COVID-19 situation at destination prior to booking. Understand the risk level associated with travel to a particular destination by checking the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories website. While the Global Affairs Canada Level 3 Travel Advisory to avoid all non-essential travel has been lifted, individual travel advisories do remain on a country-by-country basis. It is important that Canadians understand the ongoing uncertainty associated with international travel, whether that be related to the continued community transmission of COVID-19, or state of health care systems in destinations hit hard by the pandemic.


2. Understand the type, timing, cost and accessibility of required COVID testing. Every country has different requirements when it comes to the COVID tests that are needed prior to travel, and every country has different testing capacities once you are there. There are also requirements in order to return to Canada. Make sure you understand the difference between molecular PCR and rapid antigen tests, in what time period tests must be taken, the associated costs and locations where these tests are available.


3. Confirm change and cancellation flexibility with your travel service provider. Many airlines and hotels have been providing more flexibility when it comes to refunds and changes to bookings. Make sure you understand any key dates related to cancellation and changes and whether you are entitled to a refund or a future travel voucher or credit at the time of booking.


4. Buy travel insurance and understand what is covered. Make sure you have $5 million in coverage for emergency medical situations and that illness related to COVID-19 is included. Understand your entitlements for things like denied boarding in the event of a positive test and coverage related to isolation expenses.


5. Prepare required travel documentation and the format it must be presented in, for both Canada and your destination. Canadians returning home should have all required documentation loaded onto the ArriveCAN App or website. Each destination has varying requirements, so make sure you fully understand what information you need to have ready and in what format. Make sure you also take into consideration connections and any requirements in the connecting destination due to lay over or delays.


6. Take note of local public health rules prior to departure. Many destinations have measures in place such as curfews and quarantine requirements. You should also understand what the regulations are if you happen to test positive for COVID-19 in the country you are visiting.


7. Be aware of changes between booking and departure. Make sure you reconfirm all the details that were researched prior to booking, to ensure they are still accurate prior to departure. What was true when a trip was booked may not be the case by the time you are ready to travel.


8. Double check all research with the appropriate embassy or consulate. Travel at this time is complex and many factors can change quickly, so ensuring you have the most up to date and accurate information is essential.


9. Plan for extra time. From disembarkment and customs to retrieving luggage and exiting the airport, most things on the travel journey are taking longer than during pre-COVID travel times. Also note the check-in and baggage drop off deadline for your flight as it may require you to arrive earlier than anticipated.


10. Stay connected. Fully unplugging while travelling is likely a thing of the past. It is important to have access to trusted, up-to-date information while travelling so you can monitor changing conditions and requirements and adapt accordingly. Bookmark the Global Affairs Canada website prior to departure and check it regularly while abroad. It is also a good idea to sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad and stay in touch with a family or friend that has knowledge of your travel plans.


Connect with:
Kaitlynn Furse

Kaitlynn Furse

Director, Corporate Communications

Media spokesperson and subject matter expert on winter driving, road trips and travel.

Winter DrivingTravel and TourismStrategic CommunicationsRoad Trips
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MEDIA RELEASE: 90 years of students helping students: CAA Manitoba celebrates School Safety Patrol milestone at the Manitoba Legislative Building featured image

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MEDIA RELEASE: 90 years of students helping students: CAA Manitoba celebrates School Safety Patrol milestone at the Manitoba Legislative Building

For 90 years, generations of Manitoba students have stepped up to help their classmates get to and from school safely. This year, CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the CAA School Safety Patrol® program and the thousands of young Manitobans who have been part of its history. The CAA School Safety Patrol program, CAA’s oldest traffic safety initiative, was developed to protect, educate and empower elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices. To mark the milestone, CAA School Safety Patrollers gathered today at the Manitoba Legislative Building for a special day-long itinerary that included a tour of the building, meetings with Ministers, participation in the Speaker's March, attendance at Question Period, and a commemorative 90th Anniversary photo on the steps of the building. This anniversary is about celebrating the generations of young Manitobans who have stepped up to help keep their classmates safe,” says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president, CAA Manitoba. “Today is a chance to recognize that legacy and the students who are carrying it forward.” From one Winnipeg school to 8,000 Patrollers The program began in Manitoba in 1936 at Greenway School in Winnipeg, where teacher Louise Staples organized Manitoba’s first CAA School Safety Patrol team. Within months, student Patrollers were introduced across the city to help promote pedestrian and road safety in school zones. Today, approximately 8,000 Patrollers at 250 schools participate in the program, working with police services to help deliver it. “For 90 years, this program has really been about students helping students,” says Di Felice. “Generations of young people have put on the patrol vest, learned about road safety and taken on the responsibility of helping their classmates get to and from school safely. That’s an incredible story, and it’s something worth celebrating.” Throughout 2026, CAA Manitoba has been marking the anniversary through activities that recognize current Patrollers and celebrate the program's history. The anniversary campaign includes Patroller recognition at sporting events and community engagement for the people who have been part of the program. Building student leadership and safer school communities CAA School Safety Patrollers receive annual training and are taught to model and encourage safe behaviour among their fellow students. The program also gives young people an opportunity to develop teamwork, volunteerism and leadership skills while playing an active role in their school community. Community partnerships have also been an important part of the program’s history. CAA works with schools, teachers and police, including Winnipeg Police, Brandon Police and Morden Police, to support the CAA School Safety Patrol program in Manitoba. “Our Patrollers may be young, but the contribution they make to their schools and communities is significant,” says Di Felice. “As we mark this achievement, we’re saying thank you to everyone who has been part of this program and especially to the students who continue that tradition today.” CAA School Safety Patrol by the numbers • 1936: Manitoba’s first CAA School Safety Patrol team was organized at Greenway School in Winnipeg. • 90 years: The milestone being celebrated by CAA Manitoba in 2026 • Approximately 8,000 Patrollers: Participate in Manitoba today. • Approximately 250 schools: Participate in the program across Manitoba. • Grades 5 to 8: The program is geared toward students in these grades. To learn more about the School Safety Patrol program, please visit: www.schoolpatrolmanitoba.com

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA brings road safety partners and first responders together to urge drivers to slow down and move over featured image

5 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA brings road safety partners and first responders together to urge drivers to slow down and move over

Ahead of National Slow Down, Move Over (SDMO) Day, CAA South Central Ontario, in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation, Canadian Towing Association, Toronto Police Service (TPS), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Toronto Fire, Toronto Paramedic Services, and 407 ETR, have joined forces to remind Ontario drivers that slowing down and moving over is one of the simplest actions they can take to help protect tow operators, first responders and other roadside workers. “For tow operators and first responders, the roadside is their workplace,” says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice-president of government and community relations at CAA South Central Ontario. “When drivers see flashing lights, we need them to recognize that there is a trained professional helping someone at the roadside. Slowing down and moving over gives those workers the space they need to do their jobs more safely.” While most Ontario drivers are familiar with the law, that awareness does not always translate into consistent action on the road. “Every day, the men and women who respond to emergencies, assist stranded drivers and maintain our highways put themselves at risk to keep others safe,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “That’s why, beginning January 1, 2027, we’re expanding Ontario’s Slow Down, Move Over law to protect more roadside workers on the job because something as simple as slowing down and moving over can save lives and help ensure those who keep our roads safe make it home to their families.” Toronto Police Service says those protections are critical for officers and other roadside workers who routinely work alongside moving traffic. "Many police officers have found themselves in situations where they are stopped on the side of the road doing their job, only to have vehicles pass dangerously close by," says Robert Johnson, Deputy Chief, Toronto Police Service. "When first responders or tow truck drivers have their lights flashing, drivers are legally required to slow down safely below the speed limit and leave space for emergency vehicles." As part of its continuing road safety work, CAA is piloting Variable Message Signs (VMS) technology on tow trucks across Ontario to determine whether enhanced visibility and directional messaging can help motorists recognize roadside incidents sooner and respond safely. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found drivers were 95 per cent more likely to change lanes when a VMS was active. 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Ontario expanding slow down move over law to protect more workers Starting January 1, 2027, drivers must also slow down and move over for certain work vehicles stopped at roadside with flashing amber lights activated. Work vehicles under the expanded law include highway maintenance vehicles, public utility vehicles (such as electricity, water, natural gas, telecommunications), waste collection vehicles (such as garbage, recycling or organic waste trucks) and roadside assistance vehicles (like CAA or other providers). CN Tower to shine for roadside safety On Saturday, October 17, the CN Tower will be illuminated in yellow and black to mark National Slow Down, Move Over Day, commemorated by all the CAA clubs across the country, and in honour of the tow operators, emergency responders and other roadside workers who assist motorists every day. A standard light show will run for 5 minutes at the top of every hour, followed by another light show on the half hour. To learn more about SDMO laws, please visit: www.caasco.com/SDMO Quick Facts CAA research shows that Ontario drivers report slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles more than 90 per cent of the time, but only 49 per cent of the time for tow trucks. Nearly 4 in 5 Ontario drivers have heard of the SDMO law, but only 55 per cent knew they were required to slow down and move over for stopped tow trucks with flashing lights. The same study found that 93 per cent of Ontarians support the use of Variable Message Signs. Respondents also said the signs would encourage drivers to slow down and move over, improving safety for roadside workers and stranded motorists. Quotes “Tow operators are often called to the roadside when someone needs help. Everyday members of our industry are available 24-hours in all kinds of weather. Doing the work safely depends in part on the actions of passing drivers. When motorists slow down and move over, they give tow operators the room they need to assist stranded drivers and clear vehicles safely. It is a small action behind the wheel that can make a big difference at the roadside.” – Joey Gagne, President, Canadian Towing Association "First responders are there to help those in crisis and keep our roads safe, but we can’t do it alone. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its flashing lights activated, slow down and, where possible, move over. The Slow Down, Move Over law helps create a safer environment for emergency personnel working on our roads. It’s the law. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and a simple action can make a meaningful difference for everyone on our roads.” - Deputy Commissioner Bryan MacKillop, Ontario Provincial Police "Toronto Fire Services is proud to support CAA's Slow Down, Move Over campaign. Every day, emergency responders work in and around live traffic to keep our communities safe. Slowing down and moving over when approaching emergency scenes helps protect firefighters, paramedics, police officers, tow operators, and all roadside workers who put themselves at risk to serve others. This simple action can save lives." - Fire Chief Jim Jessop, Toronto Fire Services "Every day, emergency responders, tow truck operators and highway patrollers put themselves at risk to help keep people moving safely. At 407 ETR, we see this firsthand through the work of our patrollers, OPP officers and first responders who assist drivers and respond to incidents around the clock. That's why we're proud to support CAA's Slow Down, Move Over campaign. Slowing down and moving over isn't just the law, it's a simple action that helps protect the people working roadside and can prevent tragedies on our roads.” -Jose Espinosa, President & CEO, 407 ETR “Paramedics work in dynamic environments, including at the roadside alongside live traffic. 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MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Manitoba calls for truck-mounted warning signs to improve roadside safety ahead of Slow Down, Move Over Day featured image

2 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Manitoba calls for truck-mounted warning signs to improve roadside safety ahead of Slow Down, Move Over Day

Ahead of National Slow Down Move Over (SDMO) Day, acknowledged on October 17, CAA Manitoba is calling for regulatory changes that would allow tow trucks to use vehicle-mounted electronic warning signs, known as Variable Message Signs (VMS), to give approaching drivers an earlier warning of roadside incidents. Every day, tow truck operators work alongside live traffic to help stranded motorists, but many drivers still do not give them the same space and protection they provide emergency vehicles such as police, fire and ambulances. "For tow operators and first responders, the roadside is their workplace," said Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president, government and community relations, CAA Manitoba. "Slowing down and moving over is a simple action drivers can take to make a meaningful difference to protect the people who assist Manitobans every day." Variable Message Signs (VMS) provide drivers with advance warning of roadside incidents, giving them more time to react safely. The technology is already authorized in over 40 U.S. states, as well as in Australia and across the European Union. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found drivers were more likely to slow down and move over when a VMS was active, with the odds of a vehicle moving over increasing by 95 per cent. CAA Manitoba continues to discuss the use of truck-mounted VMS technology with government and industry stakeholders as part of broader efforts to improve roadside safety. A pilot project underway in Ontario is testing how the technology can help protect roadside workers, including tow operators. Despite growing awareness of SDMO laws, compliance around tow trucks continues to lag behind other emergency vehicles. CAA research found members were less likely to move over for tow trucks than for police, ambulances or fire trucks. Among those who did not move over for a tow truck, nearly half said they did not know it was required by law. "Tow truck operators are often among the first people to arrive when someone needs help," says Di Felice. "They deserve the same care and protection we give other emergency responders." To help address the issue, CAA has launched a new public service announcement that puts motorists in the shoes of the roadside workers who assist drivers every day. Rather than focusing solely on the rules of the road, the campaign highlights the people those rules are designed to protect. Watch the PSA here. CAA research also found that while eight in 10 members understand the core Slow Down, Move Over message, some remain unclear about the exact action required when approaching a roadside incident. The campaign aims to close that gap through education and awareness. To learn more about SDMO laws, please visit: https://www.caamanitoba.com/SDMO

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