Interim Flight Ban for MV Hondius Passengers

Summary#

This issue of Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 160, Number 22 publishes a set of government notices. Key items include an interim Transport order that stops certain passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius from boarding flights to Canada, new radio equipment standards from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), and federal letters patent that complete a credit-union amalgamation under the Bank Act effective May 6, 2026.

What it does#

• Office and board appointments: publishes many federal appointments and reappointments across courts, tribunals and agencies (summary list only in the Gazette).
• Interim Transport order related to hantavirus:
  • Prohibits anyone who was on board MV Hondius at any time between April 1, 2026 and May 10, 2026 from boarding a direct or indirect flight to Canada or being transported on such a flight.
  • Requires Canadian air carriers not to permit those persons to board flights to Canadian aerodromes.
  • Exempts flights chartered by the Government of Canada or government-authorized charters.
  • Sets possible penalties up to $150,000 for individuals and $1,500,000 for corporations for contraventions.
  • The Interim Order ceases to have effect on June 17, 2026.
• Radio equipment standards released by ISED:
  • Publishes RSS-287, Issue 4 (standards for EPIRBs, ELTs, PLBs, MSLDs).
  • Publishes RSS-288, Issue 2 (standards for GMDSS shipborne equipment).
  • These documents are now official and available for certification and comment.
• Credit-union continuance and amalgamation under the Bank Act:
  • Issues letters patent continuing Prospera Credit Union and Sunshine Coast Credit Union as federal credit unions (now named Prospera Federal Credit Union and Sunshine Coast Federal Credit Union) and an amalgamation creating Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union, effective May 6, 2026.
• Governor in Council appointment opportunities:
  • Lists open application opportunities for several federal board and executive positions with closing dates such as June 1, 2026 and June 15, 2026.

Who's affected#

• People who were on board MV Hondius between April 1, 2026 and May 10, 2026 — they may be prevented from boarding flights to Canada while the order is in effect.
• Air carriers operating flights to Canada — must refuse boarding to those passengers unless on an exempted flight.
• Passengers and families of affected travellers — may face travel disruption, rebooking or alternate transport arrangements.
• Manufacturers, importers, certifiers, and users of emergency beacons and maritime distress equipment — affected by the new RSS-287, Issue 4 and RSS-288, Issue 2 certification requirements.
• Members and customers of Prospera, Sunshine Coast, and Coast Capital Savings credit unions in British Columbia — their institutions have been converted and amalgamated under federal letters patent (effective May 6, 2026).
• Canadians interested in public appointments — the listed Governor in Council opportunities include several application deadlines (for example June 1, 2026, June 4, 2026, June 15, 2026).

Why it matters#

• Public health and travel: the interim Transport order aims to reduce a hantavirus risk tied to a specific cruise ship and can immediately restrict travel for people who were on that ship.
• Consumer and industry impact: new radio standards affect how emergency and maritime safety equipment is certified and may affect what devices are sold or used on ships and aircraft.
• Banking customers: converting and merging credit unions into a single federal credit union can change who regulates the institution and may lead to operational or service changes for members.
• Civic engagement: the appointment listings give Canadians a chance to apply for federal board and leadership roles; the deadlines are short and specific.