https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7se3Dg9iVA&ab_channel=CBCNews%3ATheNational
#TruckerConvoy#AtIssue#EssentialWorkers
CBC News: The National | Protest convoy, At Issue, Hero pay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEi608Ay-Vc&ab_channel=CBCNews
Ottawa police prepare for protest as trucker convoy nears capital
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-truck-convoy-heading-to-ottawa-1.6329450
Some N.B. truckers join Ottawa-bound protest, but not with trucking group's blessing
Trucks were also seen leaving Enfield, N.S., in protest against pandemic restrictions
But it is a move that has proven polarizing, getting disapproval from the executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association.
"We don't support it," Jean-Marc Picard said on Information Morning Fredericton. "We think there's better ways to get the message across."
He said the trucking association has been at the table with government, fighting for drivers and trucking companies since the pandemic began.
A convoy of trucks headed to Ottawa today to protest pandemic restrictions does not have the support of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association. The executive director of the APTA, Jean-Marc Picard, says no good will come of the protest. (CBC)
In Aulac, truckers were greeted by people waving flags and holding signs referring to the "freedom" the convoy is allegedly driving to Ottawa to fight for.
The protest comes amid reports of empty grocery shelves across Canada, the result of a variety of issues affecting the food supply chain.
Truckers have complained about a vaccination mandate, which took effect on Jan. 15, that requires Canadian cross-border essential workers — including truckers — to show proof of vaccination at a port of entry to avoid stringent testing requirements and quarantine.
Picard said that the association tried to have the mandate reversed before its implementation but was unsuccessful.
"The U.S. has a mandate, too, so even if Canada changed its mind, it's irrelevant. It's a moot point at this stage," said Picard.
In October, the U.S. started requiring all essential international travellers, including truck drivers, who cross land borders to be fully vaccinated.
In Aulac, truckers were greeted with crowds of people waving flags and holding signs referencing the "freedom" the convoy is allegedly driving to Ottawa to fight for. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
"Look at where it's escalated now, the message is lost," said Picard, citing how the truck convoy has attracted multiple groups frustrated with public health measures.
Other groups and individuals opposed to restrictions and the pressure for vaccination made efforts to join the protest, which has raised security concerns.
"We don't feel it looks good on us and we're an amazing industry and we need to attract people, and we don't feel that it's helping us in any way," said Picard, who is troubled by reports of roadblocks as the truckers converge on Ottawa.
LISTEN: Jean-Marc Picard of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association speaks with CBC host Jeanne Armstrong about the trucking convoy
Currently, 90 per cent of truckers are vaccinated against COVID-19, but Picard said that is no longer relevant given the direction the trucking convoy has now gone in.
Picard has even received calls from the general public who feel the association should throw its support behind truckers.
But Picard has concerns over the long-term consequences of the convoy.
"The supply chain right now is very fragile, and we're losing people and we have a driver shortage and everyone's going to suffer from this long term if it just continues to escalate."
In Aulac, truckers were greeted with crowds of people waving flags and holding signs referencing the "freedom" the convoy is allegedly driving to Ottawa to fight for. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
With files from Information Morning Fredericton
Where's your pal "da blogger" ? Did he get the flu?
I am double vaccinated, but believe everyone should have their own choice.
I spoke with Barber, Bridgette, Tamara Lich and many other truckers and their pals after King's anti-vax buddies labelled me as a shill for the RCMP. Some conversations went well and others did not. I did so before the Convoy became a reality. Trust that I will never talk to Patty Baby King but I sent him lots of emails that he has been too chicken to answer. Go Figure who is a liar and who is not
Rachel Aiello CTVNews.ca Online Politics Producer
Published Tuesday, January 25, 2022 8:06PM EST
"Andrew Scheer met with the convoy as it passed through Regina on Monday night.
“Our position is that no one should lose their job for a healthcare decision. Truckers were essential workers for two years during the pandemic, and the government hasn’t explained why things need to change," he said to supporters.
Scheer is one of several MPs who have voiced support online for the initiative as well.
In a tweet thanking the truckers, he accused the prime minister of being “the biggest threat to freedom in Canada,” while former Conservative leadership candidate and Ontario MP Leslyn Lewis suggested the vaccine mandates “promote segregation.”
Other Conservatives, including MPs Pierre Poilievre and Garnett Genuis have called the federal mandate Trudeau’s “vaccine vendetta.”
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole has repeatedly dodged questions about his stance on the convoy. While he has been raising concerns with the vaccine mandate for truckers for several weeks and his caucus is soliciting signatures for a petition calling for the mandate to be reversed, he has not said whether he supports the protests.
“I support getting as many people vaccinated as possible, including truckers,” he told reporters on Monday. “It's not for the leader of the opposition or political party to attend a protest on the Hill or a convoy.”
The Conservative leader hasn’t said whether he will meet with the truckers once they arrive, but said he has been meeting with the Canadian Trucking Alliance, a group that recently condemned the convoy and its disruption on Canadian roadways as the wrong way to express dissatisfaction with government policies. "