'They are hurting people': Convoy organizer says many truckers are against COVID-19 restrictions
A convoy, made up of many truck drivers who say they've had enough of the restrictions imposed on their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to hit the road this week.
"The purpose of the convoy is to bring attention to a very important issue," said Benita Pedersen, one of the convoy's promoters, in an interview with CTV News.
"These restrictions are not only unreasonable and illogical, they are hurting people and it is time to bring an end, completely and immediately, to all of these restrictions."
Pedersen says the convoy is a physical demonstration of support for that feeling of a demand for freedom.
Truckers are not the only ones who are involved in it either, she says.
"There are health-care workers involved, law enforcement officers, teachers, construction workers, parents, children and so much more," she said.
"This convoy is amazing."
Some of the harms that Pedersen claims the restrictions caused are stress, health issues, anxiety, depression and even in her own case – job losses.
"It is not reasonable to continue these restrictions any longer."
Pedersen says it's also unreasonable for the government to impose rules that require anyone to "accept an injection they are uncomfortable with."
"Our freedom and rights are precious and dear to us and this convoy is going to Ottawa, demonstrating how Canadians from coast-to-coast believe in the protection and restoration of freedoms and rights."
A GoFundMe campaign, reportedly set up to help cover costs associated with the trip, has already raised more than $2 million and is steadily growing.
Pedersen says that financial support is "amazing."
"When the money follows the movement, you know you're on to something. The GoFundMe Freedom Convoy 2022 is significant because it demonstrates how passionate people feel."
VACCINATION IS 'THE ONLY WAY TO CROSS THE BORDER'
Not everyone is as happy with the support the protest is getting or the message they are attempting to convey.
The Canadian Truckers Alliance (CTA), a group that represents 4,500 carriers, owner-operators and industry suppliers, said in a statement Saturday it condemns the actions of everyone involved in protests on public roadways, highways and bridges.
"CTA believes such actions – especially those that interfere with public safety – are not how disagreements with government policies should be expressed. Members of the trucking industry who want to publicly express displeasure over government policies can choose to hold an organized, lawful event on Parliament Hill or contact their local MP," the statement read.
Stephen Laskowski, president of the CTA, says the Canadian and American governments have both come to the same conclusion – truckers must be vaccinated to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"This regulation is not changing so, as an industry, we must adapt and comply with this mandate," he said.
"The only way to cross the border, in a commercial truck or any other vehicle, is to get vaccinated."
Pedersen says there are already 150,000 supporters involved in the campaign, but it's unlikely that all of them will make the whole trip.
It is possible there could be 30,000 trucks on Parliament Hill for the protest, she says.
The convoy is expected to stop in Calgary on Sunday night before leaving for Regina on Monday morning.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures
The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.