Local South Asian representatives in the trucking industry are voicing concerns that the trucker convoy protests nationwide overlook significant issues impacting drivers.
Many individuals in the sector feel their perspectives are drowned out by the protest noise.
Lovepreet Singh, who works in Alberta, experienced delays due to the Coutts border blockade. In a widely shared social media video, he appealed for assistance, stating, “We don’t feel safe passing through the Coutts border; it’s not just me—many drivers feel the same. I’m unsure what the aim is if they block their own truckers while advocating for freedom.”
After waiting for two days, Singh had to take a six-hour detour through British Columbia, resulting in nearly $500 spent on gas. “The majority of truckers do not support this protest; they are working diligently. If everyone stopped, who would uphold the supply chain? Someone needs to keep working,” he emphasized.
Gagan Singh, spokesperson for the United Truckers Association in British Columbia, notes that pressing issues are being ignored. “The focus should be on safety and pay structures for truckers. While people may come together over certain issues, many underlying grievances remain unaddressed,” he remarked.
Singh mentioned that most South Asians are vaccinated due to extensive community initiatives encouraging vaccination. “Many gurdwaras have worked to promote vaccinations, so the majority of people likely are not against vaccine mandates. Not everyone in the Punjabi community shares this view, but many do,” he added.
Kulpreet Singh, founder of the South Asian Mental Health Alliance, is initiating an online fundraiser for mental health resources aimed at marginalized truck drivers. “Over 20 percent of truck drivers across Canada and almost 50 percent in BC identify as South Asian, yet their representation in the convoy is lacking, along with their concerns,” he stated. He underscored the importance of addressing local protests focused on road safety and wage improvements for exploited drivers.
Manan Gupta, editor of Road Today in Ontario, expressed worries that the protests are failing to address the severe driver shortages. “With nearly 22,000 vacancies in the trucking sector, the negative publicity about truckers blocking roads and causing disruptions does not assist in attracting new talent to the industry,” he said.
