Truck convoy rolling through Winnipeg protesting mandatory vaccine mandate
Manitoba truckers gathered in a convoy in Winnipeg to protest the new federal vaccine mandate for truck drivers with participants saying the jab should be an individual choice.
While semi-truck drivers attended, they were joined by supporters as well.
The group did a loop around the Perimeter and then ended up in front of the Legislative building on Monday.
"Give us the freedom to make the choice to get vaccinated or not and let us live with the consequences," one participant told CTV News. "Do not force it. You're not letting me work right now because I won't get it."
The federal policy requires all truckers who cross the border from the United States into Canada must be vaccinated to avoid testing requirements and a 14-day quarantine.
Phil was part of the convoy and echoed that truckers should have a choice.
"The biggest issue we have, we don't care about vaccinated or unvaccinated, we care about freedom for this country that we’re not getting anymore.," he said.
Another participant said a mandate goes too far.
"I think it's just imposing on our choice to do what we want with our body," they said.
This local protest comes as a large national convoy is driving across the country from B.C. to Ottawa in protest of the mandate.
A GoFundMe has also been set up to support the convoy and has already raised close to $4 million.
Despite the protest, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) isn't on board.
"The Canadian Truckers Alliance does not support and strongly disapproves of any protests on public roadways, highways, and bridges," the organization said on Saturday. "CTA believes such actions, especially those that interfere with public safety, are not how disagreements with government policies should be expressed."
The Manitoba Trucking Association told CTV News that it agrees with the CTA.
However, Phil said he wants the mandates to go away.
"The Liberal government should get out of our way and let do our jobs. Let us live our life," he said.
The CTA said the majority of the industry is vaccinated and that vaccination rates mirror that of the general public in Canada.
The CTA also feels truckers should adapt and comply with the mandate and be vaccinated if they need to cross the border.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.