Trucker Convoy Protests Canada-U.S. Vaccine Mandate, Grabs International Attention

Casey Harper, The Center Square

Truck drivers from all walks of the country have joined forces to protest vaccine mandates and to raise awareness.

The “Freedom Convoy” departed from Vancouver, Canada, Sunday, with some estimates at 50,000 truck drivers heading for Ottawa, the nation’s capital, to protest new vaccine mandates to cross the U.S-Canada border. The mandate was implemented by Canada Jan. 15.

The mandates are expected to affect around 16,000 Canadian truckers. The organizations claim that this could lead to supply chain disruptions.

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In protest of the mandate, the large trucks were joined by regular vehicles. This is one of many COVID-19-related policy protests that have broken out in the recent months.

Social media websites like Twitter have been flooded with photos and videos showing the convoy, which has helped to spread the word about the protest and rally anti-mandate sentiments here and abroad.

GoFundMe has helped raise $6.5 million online.

“Our current government is implementing rules and mandates that are destroying the foundation of our businesses, industries and livelihoods,” says the online fundraiser’s page. “We are a peaceful country that has helped protect nations across the globe from tyrannical governments who oppressed their people, and now it seems it is happening here. Homes are being torched, small businesses are under threat, and the people who live there are denied their basic needs. It’s our duty as Canadians to put an end to these mandates. This is for the future generations and our ability to get our lives back.

“We are asking for Donations to help with the costs of fuel first, and hopefully food and lodgings to help ease the pressures of this arduous task,” the post adds. “It’s a small price to pay for our freedoms.”

Numerous towns have welcomed the convoy, with many people gathering in the snow to greet the truckers.

“My wife Val and I honked and waved on Sunday to show our support for our local truckers as they took to the road to protest the newly-imposed truckers mandate by Justin Trudeau,” said Canadian MP Bob Zimmer. “Imposed at a time when we are already seeing supply chain shortages and skyrocketing inflation, the Prime Minister is implementing a mandate that will leave tens of thousands of truckers unable to work and puts our food security at risk. Conservatives have always supported Canadians’ right to determine their own health choices. For those who are unvaccinated, we continue to believe in reasonable measures, such as rapid testing, to help protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable.”

This protest attracted international attention through social media sharing and following along on Twitter.

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Elon Musk, SpaceX founder and billionaire Tesla were among those who participated in the rally.

“Canadian truckers rule,” he wrote on Twitter.

Steven Del Duca (leader of the Ontario Liberal Party) responded to this message.

“Especially the vast majority of truckers who made the responsible decision to get vaccinated and are working hard to keep our grocery stores stocked and families fed,” he said.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance has spoken out against the protest, but that hasn’t stopped thousands from joining the movement.

“The Government of Canada and the United States have now made being vaccinated a requirement to cross the border. This regulation is not changing so, as an industry, we must adapt and comply with this mandate,” said CTA president Stephen Laskowski. “The only way to cross the border, in a commercial truck or any other vehicle, is to get vaccinated.”

Justin Trudeau (Canadian Prime Minister) announced his positive test for COVID.

“Last night, I learned that I have been exposed to COVID-19,” he announced. “I feel fine and will be working from home. Stay safe, everyone – and please get vaccinated.”

The Center Square permission granted this syndicated version.