Mandatory vaccination of truckers can disrupt the distribution chain

From Saturday morning, non-vaccinated Canadian truckers seeking to enter Canada with their cargo must be tested along with respecting detention at the border.

Also read: Mandatory vaccinations for truckers from Saturday

Also read: Live | Development on COVID-19

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

In the case of American truckers who have not received two doses of the vaccine against COVID-19, they will not be able to enter the country.

For Mark Kadiux, president and CEO of the Quebec Trucking Association, the problem is that some American drivers who carry certain materials needed for processing are less qualified to cross the border.

Several truckers met in Saint-Bernard-de-LaColle on Saturday, saying they had been vaccinated and welcomed the move for their colleagues who were not.

However, some are already complaining about the waiting times at customs.

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

According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance 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, among some retailers, ”said Jean-Guy Cote, general manager of ConceilCubeco du Commerce de Retail.

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