(Jesson Mata)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)/rdnewsNOW

ho, ho, ho

Santa Claus given approval to travel Canadian skies Friday night

Dec 23, 2021 | 11:50 AM

Santa has been cleared for lift-off and travel over Canadian airspace.

Federal Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, made the announcement Thursday morning.

Alghabra says Claus has utilized the ArriveCAN application, providing his proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test.

The reindeer also reportedly had zero COVID-19 symptoms, a release states.

“This year, I’m delighted to clear Santa and his crew for travel in Canadian skies. When I spoke to Santa, he assured me that he met all the pre-entry requirements to re-enter Canada and that he was committed to ensuring his safety, the safety of Canadians, and our transportation workers,” says Alghabra.

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“I’d like wish everyone a safe, happy, and festive holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!”

In addition to COVID measures, Transport Canada inspected Claus’s sleigh to ensure the landing gear and reindeer harnesses are up to snuff. That’s not to mention the communications and NAV systems, which are good to go.

Santa’s sack of gifts is secure too, the ministry confirms.

Santa couldn’t be reached for comment — his press secretary saying he’s under very tight deadlines.

A brief statement provided to rdnewsNOW says simply, “Ho, ho, ho!”

You can follow the jolly old elf’s flight using the NORAD Santa Tracker, and tweet about it using the #NoradTracksSanta.