Convoy opposing trucker vaccine mandate rolls through Regina
A convoy of trucks protesting the federal government’s cross-border travel vaccine mandate rolled through Regina on Monday evening.
‘Freedom Convoy 2022’ opposes the rules implemented on Jan. 15, requiring proof of vaccination for truckers coming into Canada.
Under the rules, Canadian truckers who are not fully vaccinated will have to show proof of a negative PCR test collected within 72 hours of arriving at the border and will need to quarantine after arrival, while unvaccinated American drivers will be denied entry.
Supporters lined the Regina Bypass as hundreds of semi-trucks and other vehicles made their way through the Queen City around 9 p.m. Monday.
Regina trucker Earl Purdy joined the convoy to voice his concerns about COVID-19 mandates.
“We were supposed to be essential, but we’re nothing right now,” Purdy said, in an interview Monday night.
Supporters cheer on a passing semi-truck on the Regina bypass around 9 p.m. on Jan. 25, 2022. (Gareth Dillistone/CTV News)
Regina-Lewvan MP Warren Steinley was also out on the bypass to support the protest.
“Why now? What has changed? Show some data that this vaccine mandate will protect Canadians more. Is there any data points that show that truckers are affecting COVID-19,” Steinley said, in an interview with CTV News.
“Show us the data that this mandate for truckers is necessary, and we’ve seen nothing so far.”
However, the prime minister is standing by the border rules and the federal government’s COVID-19 response.
“I regret that the Conservative Party and the Conservative politicians are fear mongering to Canadians about the supply chain but the reality is that vaccination is how we are going to get through this,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, during a press conference Monday.
Lines of vehicles waited along the side of the highway to cheer on or join the convoy in Regina. (Gareth Dillistone/CTV News)
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe spoke out against the mandate during a press conference Monday, calling it “unnecessary” for the trucking industry.
“These are the folks that are delivering our products, our food in many cases to our communities in Saskatchewan and in Canada,” Moe said.
“They have operated safely throughout this pandemic long before we had access to vaccines, long before we had many of the tools that are proven to be helpful and effective in our battle against the Omicron wave.”
The convoy continued on out of Regina headed eastbound on Highway 1.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) issued a statement on Saturday, saying it does not support the protests.
“The vast majority of the Canadian trucking industry is vaccinated with the overall industry vaccination rate among truck drivers closely mirroring that of the general public,” the CTA said in its statement.
“Accordingly, most of our nation’s hard-working truck drivers are continuing to move cross-border and domestic freight to ensure our economy continues to function.”
The Saskatchewan Trucking Association deferred to the national alliance’s statement, when asked for comment on the protests.
The convoy left Calgary on Monday morning, with a send-off from an estimated crowd of more than 1,000 supporters. It passed through Saskatoon on Monday afternoon.
With files from CTVNews.ca and CTV News Calgary
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.