Sunday Newsletter: Tensions Over Canada’s Trucker Protests
Every week in our Sunday Newsletter, Noa editor Lisa Kennedy writes an explainer column to provide background information on a developing news story.
It’s been almost three weeks since truckers first drove their vehicles into the centre of Ottawa (Canada’s capital city) to protest against Covid restrictions. The protest has been termed the ‘Freedom Convoy’.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has invoked emergency powers to mitigate the situation, but he’s also been criticised for not handling it more decisively.
The Background…
The truckers are protesting vaccine requirements to enter and leave Canada over the U.S. border, which were introduced by Trudeau’s government. The measure would require unvaccinated truckers to quarantine for two weeks after crossing the border (previously, drivers were exempt from such mandates due to being considered essential workers).
The protests began among truckers, but increased in popularity, as others who view vaccine mandates as government interference have added their support to the movement. The convoy’s demands have grown from ending the vaccine requirements at the border to dissolving all such mandates in the country.
The Story…
Vaccine mandates enjoy broad support in Canada, with more 80% of eligible Canadians being fully vaccinated (including almost 90% of the country’s truck drivers). However, the Freedom Convoy has drawn support from right-wing politicians, as they see the movement as a broader expression of fatigue with restrictions two years into the pandemic.
The temporary emergency powers invoked by Trudeau mean that public assembly can be banned and the bank accounts of anyone considered to be a national security threat frozen. Police forces have closed exits leading to the city centre and have begun arresting those who won’t move.
Although the number of protestors have dwindled, hundreds of truckers remain in the city, with many vowing to keep their vehicle doors locked to everyone, including the police.
The protests are also causing concern due to their impact on Canada’s already strained supply chain. The country’s economy is highly dependent upon those that drive goods across the border — indeed, the Freedom Convoy blockades that took place on border crossings represent hundreds of millions of dollars in lost trade.
Similar protests have since begun in other parts of the world, including France and New Zealand.
Our Coverage…
If you want to hear about how we protest in the 21st century, listen to this Noa Series.
