A self-described “freedom convoy” group blocked roads and bridges at Canadian cities and border crossings between Canada and the United States. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the protests have disrupted international trade, crippling an already slow supply chain.
What do the protesters want?
Convoy organizers want Canada to end its COVID-19 mandates. For example, one mandate requires truck drivers to receive two doses of the vaccine to avoid a 14-day quarantine when entering the country from the US. If Canadian lawmakers end mandates, the US still requires truckers to follow the same rule.
According to Canadian lawmakers, 90% of truckers have at least two COVID-19 vaccines, which is why Trudeau is not caving on the issue.
“We gotta end the mandates, and personally, I want Trudeau and whoever is pulling his strings pulled gone. Out of Canada,” said Quinn, a protester in opposition to the country’s COVID-19 mandates.
When did this political movement start?
In 2019, some conservatives lashed out against a new carbon tax, saying it would hurt the oil industry. In response, protesters encouraged hundreds of trucks to form a convoy from Western Canada to Ottawa.
The movement then morphed again in January. Canada Unity, a group of far-right conservatives, announced the establishment of the “freedom convoy.” It’s a small group of people who support Qanon conspiracy theories and calls for Western Canada to become independent.
Self-proclaimed Qanon influencer Queen Romana Didulo claims to be the head of the so-called sovereign Republic of Canada.
According to the Global Network, an independent research agency, Didulo built her following opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates. She also became known for sending cease and desist letters to lawmakers.
Canadian Prime Minister pushes back, urges protest to end
Trudeau has called for these protests to end peacefully, pointing to science. According to a study conducted by John Hopkins Medical Center, four out of five Canadians have received at least two shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“The blockades are harming our economy and endangering public safety,” Trudeau said. “Critical supply chains have been disrupted. This is hurting workers who rely on these jobs to feed their families.”
