Protest Against Trucking Vaccine Mandate
The ongoing demonstration has been called the Freedom Rally, opposing the federal vaccine requirement for cross-border truck drivers that began on January 15.
To cross into Canada without facing a two-week quarantine and a pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test, Canadian truck drivers must now be fully vaccinated.
According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance and the American Trucking Associations, the vaccine mandate could result in as many as 26,000 out of 160,000 drivers who regularly travel the Canada-U.S. border being unable to do so.
This action has ignited an online movement protesting the mandate, with a GoFundMe campaign for the truckers’ rally raising over $2.5 million as of Sunday.
Rally participant Candace Hill stated, “We aim to reach Ottawa by next weekend to demand an end to these mandates.” Hill spoke from Delta, B.C., where participants gathered before embarking on a cross-country journey. The convoy plans to meet another group from Prince George, B.C. in Calgary on Sunday night.
The protest has garnered support from anti-vaccine-mandate advocates across the province, including those in Kamloops, B.C. Photographer Candice Camille remarked on the unexpectedly large turnout at the Kamloops rally, emphasizing, “The mandates should adapt to our lifestyle and respect individual freedoms.”
Trade organizations on both sides of the border have warned that the mandate will place additional strain on supply chains, particularly amid ongoing COVID-19 surges and significant worker shortages. Nevertheless, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) publicly condemned the rally, urging members to organize a protest on Parliament Hill instead of obstructing roads and border crossings for an extended period.
CTA President Stephen Laskowski stated, “This regulation is unchanging; as an industry, we must adapt and comply with the mandate.” He reiterated, “Vaccination is the only way to cross the border, whether in a commercial truck or another vehicle.”
Truck driver and instructor Laurent Flambourari expressed that the protests might be “a bit too late,” as the mandate has already been in effect for a week. He acknowledged individuals’ rights to refuse vaccination but noted the consequences that come with that choice.
It’s worth mentioning that this convoy is distinct from a separate rally held in B.C. on Saturday, which was organized by the West Coast Trucking Association to address deteriorating highway conditions during the winter.
