February 11, 2015 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today reminded Canadians to travel smart by using the Government of Canada’s Travel.gc.ca website to prepare for their next holiday out of the country.
“Whether Canadians are hitting the surf or the slopes, it’s important to read the safe travel information and tips on how to travel smart and pack smart,” said Minister Yelich. “That is why we have developed a whole host of online tools and tips to help Canadians be prepared to deal with the sudden accidents, illness or excess sun and heat that can take the fun out of any holiday.”
More than ever, Canadians need access to information and services and expect to receive it at the click of a button or touch of a screen. As part of Canada’s 21st Century Consular Plan, the Government of Canada is continuing to develop more useful tips and tools to assist travellers. Before leaving home, Canadians are encouraged to consult Travel.gc.ca, the Government of Canada’s one-stop shop for accessing the latest safe travel information, including:
“Don’t forget to pack travel insurance, and purchase the best travel insurance—including health insurance—you can afford before leaving Canada, even if you are only going for a short period of time,” said Minister Yelich. “Foreign hospitals can be very expensive, and health care can become very costly should you require treatment or suffer an accident while you are abroad. Your provincial or territorial health plan will not cover you when you leave Canada.”
In 2014, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada responded to 15 major emergencies worldwide and managed over 2,500 emergency consular files.
A backgrounder follows.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Erica Meekes
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)
343-203-5975
erica.meekes@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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The Travel.gc.ca website brings together travel tips and tools to assist Canadians travelling abroad. It offers official travel content from 11 Government of Canada websites, dealing with matters such as security conditions, public safety, the border, passports, health and vaccinations and more, while keeping a strong focus on safe and responsible travel.
This site is designed to help with all aspects of international travel, from trip planning and packing to a safe return to Canada.
A travel health kit is important no matter where one travels. First aid supplies and medications are not always available in other countries. Canadians are encouraged to pack their own personalized travel health kit using the convenient travel health kit checklist.
Before packing their suitcase, Canadian travellers should be aware of what is and is not allowed on a plane. Travellers can check the Quick searchable guide for what they can or cannot carry in their carry-on or checked baggage. Additional information is available at Air travel.
