The Alberta government seems to be willing to take a dive into the unknown (results). I'd (and probably the other premiers and provincial CHOs) be happier if there was a shortened quarantine with release from quarantine following a negative test. There's a chance of false negative if the infection is recent.

Hajdu has said they are only really to be used in isolated or indigenous areas. That seems like a negative view to me. Ford has criticized Health Canada for dragging their feet approving what he calls a game changer. Also which provinces? Ontario receives the bulk of incoming international travel.

Alberta COVID Pilot Project
 

The test on arrival scheme starts Nov 2. Interested to hear about the experience when the trial starts.

Exactly right. The province of Ontario wanted rapid testing and the delays were at the federal level. The reason Ontario did not go further in expanding testing capacity, a decision for which they were criticized, was the federal government saying months ago that approval of rapid testing was imminent.

good news!

So, I participated in this program this past weekend. Lots of lines and waiting in the airport but well worth it.

I arrived into YYC on a WestJet flight from PVR. On board the flight they handed out leaflets about the program and the process. When I arrived in YYC the arrangements for entry were different than my previous return in September, and it took a long time (2 hours from brakes on to walking outside with my bag - but half an hour of that was waiting on paperwork to be processed for importing a dog). First, there was the regular CBSA screening. From what I overheard, the agents were all very positive about the new program and were promoting pax to take part. They asked some basic screening questions that you would have already answered (are you feeling well, do you have a suitable quarantine location, etc), then off to another area crammed into the side of the CBSA hall where the Public Health Agency of Canada had 3 makeshift screening stations setup. I think this part was the bottleneck to the whole process. Here, you were asked either for the confirmation code that you've filled out your contact info on the ArriveCAN app or the paper contact info form (which is going away on November 21 - app use mandatory). Then off to get baggage. After the exit to groundside, there was another station to fill out a basic form to register for the testing program. Then wait in another line to hand the form over to a registrar who entered your info into the computer system and printed out the test forms and sample labels. Finally, the test itself which is your run of the mill PCR Q-tip down the throat.

I received my results 25 hours after the test was taken. As of today, any of the activities that I want to do outside of the home are good to go. Note that there are still restrictions on high-risk scenarios for program participants: can't visit such places as old folks homes, schools, work camps, etc until after the second test or in some cases maybe not even until after the standard 2 weeks. So the program isn't going to work for everyone, particularly if you work in one of these places.

Very happy to have participated in this. It was well worth it and I am thankful for the opportunity to provide meaningful data in support of potentially rolling this out to other airports in the near future.

Didn't even know this thread existed, happy to contribute my experience as well.

Landing on KL flight and being in business and with NEXUS, we were the first at the three kiosks set up around CBSA (very confusing walking in front of agents if you have NEXUS). There is a LOT of paperwork, as I understand the first stop is to link your ArriveCAN with the Alberta Pilot. Luggage was coming out when we got to the belt, grabbed that, left customs, and filled in some more paperwork (a consent form). Then went to another desk where they confirmed all our details and printed out the two requisitions (one for immediate use, one a week later). Did the test and left. I was actually out of the airport within 30 minutes of landing... But I also know that if there's a bunch of pax in front of you, you're SOL. Be quick.

Sunday did the second test at my local Shoppers. No issue, and got the result overnight today. The results are sent on an annoying "Private Post" platform and are very confusing to read. Also don't expect a certificate-like result that could be used for further travel or to show your employer. It literally just says First Middle (no Last) swab taken at XXX was Negative.

Definitely an awesome project.

Thank you for sharing your experiences.
What flights are there currently operating to YYC from Europe?

I assume if I entered Canada via YYC, and took part in this trial, nothing would stop me from connecting to YUL afterwards, right?

Only KLM is currently operating AMS-YYC 5x weekly. As part of the pilot program terms and conditions, you are committing to stay in Alberta for 14 days (or leave the country prior) - not allowed to go to other provinces.

:( Thanks.

My daughter and I would love to go on a skiing holiday to Banff this winter. With the KL flight from AMS to YYC we know how to get there! This rapid testing experiment might be the opening to enter Canada as well. Can anyone help me with information if we qualify for this progam?

if you decide to participate in the rapid test program, you must stay in Alberta for 2 weeks. So if you are thinking on heading to Whistler, etc, you won't qualify for the program and must quarantine for 14 days.

By participating in the program, you need to quarantine for 2 days pending a negative test than on day 6 and 7, you need to take another test.

Edit: here's more info from the government: https://www.alberta.ca/international...t-project.aspx

As it stands now, you still need to be a Canadian citizen/resident or have some other ties to Canada to enter the country.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...xemptions.html

Thanks for the useful replies, the situation is clear to me. How much I Iove your country, becoming Canadian for holiday purposes only, might be a bridge too far. I willl follow the developments here and like all of you, hope for positive developments.

I started looking into this a bit more and there seems to be an AC LHR-YYC flight operating in Jan / Feb as well...