Truckers from Atlantic Canada will soon join a national “freedom convoy” headed for Ottawa.
On Thursday, truckers from the four provinces will meet in Moncton, N.B., before departing for the nation’s capital. This Saturday, they will rally with other truckers arriving from all over Canada.
“The goal is that the entire trucking network and convoy will wrap itself right around Ottawa and give it a great big bear hug,” says Leanne Carter, the Maritime coordinator for the Canada Unity freedom convoy.
Truckers remain upset about the federal vaccine mandate that requires drivers in the industry to be fully vaccinated to enter the country without being required to self-isolate.
Carter believes there is a significant lack of dialogue between the public and the federal government, which is why they seek a conversation with elected officials.
“We’re not leaving Ottawa until there is some dialogue between the executives of Canada Unity, which represents the voice of the people. The COVID mandates need to stop, our freedoms need to be restored, and sensibilities need to be put back in place.”
Changes are also required for the trucking industry, says Carter, who believes they are at times treated worse than prisoners.
Carter encouraged Canadians to decorate their cars with Canada flags and travel alongside the truckers for as long as possible.
