Statement by OTA President Stephen Laskowski on GTA Protests

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TORONTO, Feb. 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The overwhelming majority of the Ontario trucking trade is vaccinated and the general vaccination charge amongst industrial drivers carefully mirrors that of most of the people. 

A few of the individuals protesting at Queen’s Park are voicing their concern over the bilateral mandate launched by the Governments of Canada and the US that requires all important staff, together with truck drivers, to be vaccinated. As of January 22 , the one approach to cross the border, in a industrial truck or every other automobile, is to get vaccinated. As an trade we should adapt and adjust to this mandate and the overwhelming majority have.

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The Ontario Trucking Affiliation (OTA) doesn’t help and strongly disapproves of any protests on public roadways, highways, and bridges. OTA believes such actions – particularly people who intrude with public security and impede the movement of visitors or residents – usually are not how disagreements with authorities insurance policies ought to be expressed. We strongly urge all protestors to please respect visitors legal guidelines and adjust to path from authorities to not block entry to the hospitals and demanding care amenities across the legislature. 

Whereas some Canadians are at Queen’s Park right this moment to voice their displeasure over this mandate, it seems that most protestors haven’t any connection to the trucking trade and have separate grievances past the cross-border vaccine necessities. As these protests unfold, OTA asks the general public to bear in mind that most of the individuals you see and listen to in media stories do not need a connection to the trucking trade and don’t signify the view of the Ontario Trucking Affiliation or its members. 

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To these within the trucking trade which have chosen to take part on this protest, your behaviour right this moment is not going to solely replicate upon you and your loved ones however the 300,000-plus fellow Canadians that, such as you, take nice delight in our trade. Please keep in mind this vital accountability you bear right this moment in delivering your message responsibly in addition to the impression your actions could have on the picture of lots of your colleagues who don’t share your opinion however share your ardour for the trade and nation. 

Please protest peacefully and respectfully after which return house safely on Saturday in the identical peaceable, respectful method as we ask that you simply reveal on the Legislature. 

Ontario Trucking Affiliation
publicaffairs@ontruck.org