Mandatory vaccination of truckers can disrupt the distribution chain

Non-vaccinated Canadian truckers wishing to enter Canada with their cargo must be tested along with respecting detention at the border from Saturday morning.

“We are in a dangerous situation. About half of what we make in Quebec alone is exported to the United States, ”said Sylvie Cloutier, President and CEO of Consul de la Transformation Alimentation du Quebec (CTAQ).

In the case of American truckers who did not receive two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, they could not enter the country.

According to Mark Kadiux, president and CEO of the Quebec Trucking Association (ACQ), some American drivers who carry the materials needed for processing are not eligible to cross the border, which can cause problems.

Several truckers met Saturday at the Saint-Bernard-de-LaColle border crossing, saying they had been vaccinated and welcomed the move to their colleagues.

However, some have already complained about the waiting times at customs.

The Quebec Food Processing Council estimates that between 12,000 and 16,000 fewer truckers will be on the roads.

According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CCA) and the American Trucking Association, an estimated 26,000 of the 160,000 cross-border drivers will be laid off.

“We will probably redevelop distribution lines. So next week is going to be crucial to measure the real impact on tablets. There is a certain panic, I will not hide it from you, at some retailers, ”said Jean-Guy Cote, general manager of the Quebec Council of Retail Trade (CQCD).

The United States will impose the same action next weekend, this time with Canadian truckers entering their territory.