On Jan. 15^th, 2022 a vaccine mandate came into effect requiring unvaccinated truckers to quarantine for two weeks and to have a pre-arrival molecular test before they could cross into Canada from the United States. This was after the CBSA had erroneously announced that the mandate decision would be reversed. This policy will have negative consequences and weaken our already overstretched supply chains.

The mandate will negatively impact Canadians, whether or not they are vaccinated.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance has stated the industry could lose tens of thousands of drivers when the mandate is enforced. We cannot afford to lose any more truckers. 

The majority of trade with our biggest trading partner, the United States, is done through trucking, worth approximately $650 billion annually. Hindering our ability to move these goods could impact a larger amount of society than the mandate would help.

Experts have argued that this mandate is not exceptionally effective. Moreover it comes at the cost of exacerbating the supply chain crisis. This will especially affect vulnerable and remote communities.

Freedom of movement is a fundamental right in a democratic society and is crucial for our economic prosperity. Canadians should have their rights protected by their government, not infringed upon by their government. Therefore, we call on the Government of Canada to:

1. Revoke the trucker vaccine mandate

2. Work with the American government to enable a safe and efficient supply chain