RCMP Enforcement of the Quarantine Act

Date: July 7, 2020
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Branch / Agency: RCMP

Issue:

In the context of COVID-19, the RCMP is working with partner departments and agencies to manage the enforcement of the Quarantine Act nationally.

Proposed Response:

Background:

The RCMP is working with Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to manage the enforcement of the Quarantine Act nationally. As part of this enforcement, the RCMP is working closely with the Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, and other local police of jurisdiction across Canada. Where it is the police force of jurisdiction, as well as in Québec, the RCMP is conducting compliance checks on individuals who have had self-isolation requirements imposed upon them by public health authorities.

As of June 30, 2020, the RCMP recorded seven (7) fines issued under the federal Quarantine Act, totalling $6,438.75. RCMP enforcement efforts have focussed primarily on educating the public on isolation requirements under the federal Quarantine Act. Fines that are being issued are typically being done so under provincial/territorial legislation.

Note: This data is for RCMP enforcement only. PHAC is collecting this information for other police agencies of jurisdiction. The data provided is a snapshot in time and only represents the data as it was entered into systems at the time of the data extract. It is based on an examination of RCMP records management systems, reporting from RCMP physical verification checks of travellers, and was developed in consultation with PHAC. While the RCMP quickly implemented the enforcement of the Quarantine Act, operational systems and standard operating procedures, to ensure consistent reporting of this information, continue to be refined. The data is therefore subject to change. 

Compliance Checks on U.S.-marked Vehicles in British Columbia

The British Columbia (B.C.) RCMP does receive reports from citizens who report vehicles with U.S. license plates and express concerns as to whether the occupants have complied with the Quarantine Act. RCMP members have been provided with direction on a measured approach to checking U.S. vehicles, including: (1) Determining if the individual(s) are dual citizens, relocated for work, or are in Canada for other reasons (i.e. family reunification). Essential workers such as, but not limited to, medical professionals, pilots, truck drivers transporting essential goods, are exempt from the 14-day mandatory isolation order. They must self-monitor during the period they are in Canada. If they begin to experience any symptoms, then they must self-isolate and contact a medical professional for further direction; (2) Enquiring when and where they arrived in Canada to determine if the mandatory 14-day isolation period has ended; (3) If they are within the 14-day period and reside in Canada, direct them to immediately return to their residence. Inform the individual they must abide by the 14-day isolation period or they could be subject to a fine under the Quarantine Act; and, (4) If the traveller(s) advise CBSA that they are transiting to Alaska, they are to take the most direct route. They are permitted to stop for food, fuel and rest only. They are not permitted to visit or vacation within the province of B.C.

If the Officer determines that enforcement is appropriate, they may issue a Violation Ticket under Sec.58, Quarantine Act – Failure to comply with an order prohibiting or subjecting to any condition the entry into Canada, $1000.00. The Officer can contact the B.C. RCMP Divisional Duty Officer to be connected with the Regional Quarantine Officer who will advise whether or not the individual(s) should be detained per the Quarantine Act. Only a Quarantine Officer has the authority to order a person detained under this Act. The Officer must also contact CBSA Inland Enforcement and provide the name(s) of the individual(s) and other information. CBSA Inland Enforcement will direct the course of action.

Compliance Checks on U.S.-marked Vehicles in Alberta

Since June 29, 2020, seven (7) U.S. residents were fined with a failure to comply with the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s order under the Alberta Public Health Act. Each fine is $1,200. Multiple warnings have been giving to individuals who are believed to be travelling through to Alaska, but might not have taken the most direct route as prescribed by the CBSA. Alberta RCMP continues to work with its federal and provincial partners to ensure that the public is aware of their responsibilities in regards provincial and federal guidelines and is prepared to enforce these measures when appropriate.

Contacts:

Prepared by: Konrad Roberts, Strategic Policy, Contract and Indigenous Policing, RCMP – 343-542-2628
Approved by: Brian Brennan, Deputy Commissioner, Contract and Indigenous Policing, RCMP – 613-843-4632

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