A convoy of truckers opposed to Covid-19 vaccine mandates made its way through southwestern Ontario on Thursday, as it continues its snaking journey through the heart of Canada.
The protest is being organized by Canada Unity, a group that opposes Covid-related measures.
Its leaders want prime minister Justin Trudeau and his government to drop the vaccine mandate for truckers crossing the Canada-US border and do away with other public health protections.
The Canadian federal government instituted vaccine mandates for cross-border truckers throughout the country. But as many as 32,000, or 20 per cent, of the 160,000 Canadian and American cross-border truck drivers may be taken off the roads due to the mandate, according to the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA).
Some high-profile vaccine-sceptics, such as Elon Musk and Joe Rogan, have praised the protesting truckers. Mr Rogan stated that Canada is “in revolt”, with the Toronto Sun claiming that up to 50,000 truckers will end up completing the journey to the capital.
By contrast, Prime Minister Trudeau has characterised the protesters as a “small fringe minority who are on the way to Ottawa who are holding unacceptable views.”
Elon Musk tweets his support for Canada truckers
The billionaire owner of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk appears to have given his stamp of approval to Canadian truck drivers protesting vaccine mandates for cross-border drivers.
On Thursday, Mr Musk tweeted that “Canadian truckers rule” as reports of the truckers protesting in Ottawa made international news.
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Many protest supporters are donating under false names, report says
According to a CTV analysis, many people who donated to a GoFundMe for today’s protests did so under false names – including those of Justin Trudeau and his wife.
Some 'freedom convoy' donors are using aliases of well-known Canadians https://t.co/iMA6nPmmKc pic.twitter.com/o0QcZCcXWp
— CTV News (@CTVNews) January 28, 2022
Ottawa closes bridge due to protests
Ottawa officials have closed another major thoroughfare as the protests continue, this time the Alexandra Bridge.
“Alexandra Bridge closed – demonstration,” the City of Ottawa tweeted. “OPS directing traffic. Duration unknown.”
Alexandra Bridge closed – demonstration. OPS directing traffic. Duration unknown. Expect delays. #otttraffic
— City of Ottawa (@ottawacity) January 28, 2022