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By Shane Clausing

convoy to ottawa

Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Loewen supportive of convoy to Ottawa

Jan 24, 2022 | 5:17 PM

Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Loewen says he is supportive of truck drivers from the Peace Region heading to Ottawa over the next week to protest the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in place for truckers at the Canada/U.S. border.

As of January 15, truck drivers wishing to travel across the border need to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The rule has sparked outrage amongst some in the community, and many across the country have decided to drive across Canada to protest the rules.

Loewen tells EverythingGP the rules passed by the federal government will only hurt people in the Peace Region.

“I think it’s unfortunate that these mandates have come into effect (are) affecting people’s jobs,’ he said.

“Just about everything we have is brought in by truck from somewhere and anytime we have that kind of effect on the border crossing, (hurts) our supplies. I think it’s unfortunate we’ve got a mandate that is going to make no measurable difference on the virus, but it is going to affect the products we have and the price we pay for them.”

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Loewen adds he’s heard from constituents in the Peace Region who are unhappy about the rules.

“Most of the response we’ve been getting is people aren’t impressed with it. It’s not just people who don’t want to get vaccinated, even the vaccinated people understand the supply chain and understand our dependence on trade with the U.S.,” he explained. “I think it’s pretty widespread that people are not happy about this decision.”

While Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is against the COVID-19 vaccinate mandate for truck drivers at the border, Loewen wishes the provincial government started voicing their displeasure with Ottawa earlier.

“I think we need to keep the pressure on the federal politicians on this. Obviously, the Prime Minister has dug his heels in on this. I think the provincial government should’ve responded sooner (and) more aggressively with this,” Loewen said.

“Obviously, there are different things we can do and the influence we can have on the federal government. I think we should be doing every possible thing we can. In northern Alberta here, we rely on a lot of things being brought in from the south and I think it’s important to keep it as open as possible.”

The trucker convoy has so far raised over $3.5 million on GoFundMe.