Trucker Convoy

@loaders - folks have been held hostage in their own homes for 2 years lol. I'm not defending the actions of the protestors, but I will say this. I'm glad people are expressing their beliefs instead of a bunch of keyboard warriors - its honestly a nice change to see.

I may have a differing opinion if I was deathly worried that Rod Philips had the possibility to be in charge of my future accommodations though... :)
 
@loaders - folks have been held hostage in their own homes for 2 years lol. I'm not defending the actions of the protestors, but I will say this. I'm glad people are expressing their beliefs instead of a bunch of keyboard warriors - its honestly a nice change to see.

I may have a differing opinion if I was deathly worried that Rod Philips had the possibility to be in charge of my future accommodations though... :)
I have no problem whatsoever with people expressing their opinions and when they feel it necessary, taking to the streets in protest. However this thing has gone on way too far and the only people being affected are the poor folks who happen to live in the area. This isn’t like a labour disruption where the strikers can directly affect the company they are picketing. The government has heard the message and they are not going to change their direction.This protest is doing damage to our industry and the people involved are starting to look like heartless, mindless bullies, which they may or may not be. Wrap it up, mandates are going to be lifted soon enough anyways, you’ve made your point.
 
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I have no problem whatsoever with people expressing their opinions and when they feel it necessary, taking to the streets in protest. However this thing has gone on way too far and the only people being affected are the poor folks who happen to live in the area. This isn’t like a labour disruption where the strikers can directly affect the company they are picketing. The government has heard the message and they are not going to change their direction.This protest is doing damage to our industry and the people involved are starting to look like heartless, mindless bullies, which they may or may not be. Wrap it up, mandates are going to be lifted soon enough anyways, you’ve made your point.
Loader's where you saying the same things when the Natives where doing it just before the vid on the raillines? Caledonia numerous times? Or like JT it does not fit your narrative or belief so it must end.

In know way am throwing support behind them but I for one hope they are there for months or until all this BS stops. Anyone that has not realized this is all because of our shitty healthcare system and it's major lack of being able to handle it is out to lunch. The rest of the world is open or opening and Canada? Oh still locked down. PS Had 2 shots and Covid at Christmas. Wife, brother Jeff and his family, all our group of 8 golfers and wives and kids etc etc all shots and covid. Little town of 2000 I live in over 1/2 had it already but we are still all going to die??? They have cried wolf and folks are willing to take their chances. The folks that are not have a choice they can stay home Amazon delivers.
 
I am starting to lose track about what this so called “protest“ is all about. Is it about the cross border vaccine mandate for truckers? Is it a about all COVID precautions? Is it just anti vaccine in general? Our ”shitty” healthcare system? Don’t trust the scientists? Oh, and of course F**k Trudeau cause obviously he is the cause of all of this. The point has been made that there are many people upset at lots of different things and COVID mandates seem to have brought them to a head. However, enough already. The mandates and restrictions are beginning to ease up and will soon be history. This circus in Ottawa, Alberta and now talk of other locations is making the protestors and our industry look bad. You bring up a good point Rob. How many days would the police let a BLM protest continue? Or if the protest were about native indigenous rights? I happen to think it would be considerably fewer.
 
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I am starting to lose track about what this so called “protest“ is all about. Is it about the cross border vaccine mandate for truckers? Is it a about all COVID precautions? Is it just anti vaccine in general? Our ”shitty” healthcare system? Don’t trust the scientists? Oh, and of course F**k Trudeau cause obviously he is the cause of all of this. The point has been made that there are many people upset at lots of different things and COVID mandates seem to have brought them to a head. However, enough already. The mandates and restrictions are beginning to ease up and will soon be history. This circus in Ottawa, Alberta and now talk of other locations is making the protestors and our industry look bad. You bring up a good point Rob. How many days would the police let a BLM protest continue? Or if the protest were about native indigenous rights? I happen to think it would be considerably fewer.
Come on man Trudeau went to the BLM protest and took a knee. Natives do it Caledonia yearly for months at a time. Odessa Ontario as covid started they shut down Canada's MAIN rail line where where the feds then. If you stand up to our PM he will label you all different sorts of nasty things and gets away with it. I know you not a stupid person loaders but you need to really have a look at what this guy is doing to our country. They should change the name from the Liberal Party to the Dividers Of Canada Party. And I still do not support the convoy but I do support their right to have it. That and the fact it is really easy to find loads home when i happen to need one right now.
 
I think that's something everyone can agree on. F**k Trudeau. Hope these truckers at least get something out of it for all of this.
 
There is 10 million dollars sitting in a Go Fund Me account with someone’s name on it. How’s that for starters? Plus the love and admiration of the citizens of Ottawa. I don’t think you can put a price on that!
 
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I wonder what the real number of truckers was and how to divide that number. I've heard 100,000, then 50,000, both are surely not possible. But if it was 50,000 truckers, 10 million is $200.00 each. LOL. It wouldn't even cover fuel. I support all of this, regardless of it changing it's direction, or goals. Our "leaders" have always been nothing but followers, until they get a chance to show their power. Why would make anyone think this would end soon? Because Sweden and a few other countries lifted mandates? Countries that never had the crazy mandates we have had all along. For it to end, we would have to drop mandates when the cases are higher than ever. That would only make our politicians look like they were wrong all along. (Which they were) We knew a long time ago that this virus targets the elderly and the vulnerable with pre-existing conditions. Our healthcare system has no more ICU beds or ventilators than 2 years ago. our Government have given away our tax dollars to so many that did not deserve it instead of to where it should have gone. Why not offer free education to potential nurses and healthcare workers. Why not stream line their training to be faster. This mess is ALL about our Government. For the Federal Government to leave it in the hands high school educated Politicians is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. It's just more running away from responsibility. Well Trudeau sure showed that is what he does. He runs away. Of course if every Province and Country handles it differently, it will surely be stopped. (that was sarcasm) I surely hope if we really hit an "end of the world" catastrophe that countries would ban together and not make it all about the almighty dollar. Otherwise, we are simply all dead. Thank you to all the truckers who are the only ones standing up for something. As I sit here and type on a forum, they are actually doing something.
 
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I wonder what the real number of truckers was and how to divide that number. I've heard 100,000, then 50,000, both are surely not possible. But if it was 50,000 truckers, 10 million is $200.00 each. LOL. It wouldn't even cover fuel. I support all of this, regardless of it changing it's direction, or goals. Our "leaders" have always been nothing but followers, until they get a chance to show their power. Why would make anyone think this would end soon? Because Sweden and a few other countries lifted mandates? Countries that never had the crazy mandates we have had all along. For it to end, we would have to drop mandates when the cases are higher than ever. That would only make our politicians look like they were wrong all along. (Which they were) We knew a long time ago that this virus targets the elderly and the vulnerable with pre-existing conditions. Our healthcare system has no more ICU beds or ventilators than 2 years ago. our Government have given away our tax dollars to so many that did not deserve it instead of to where it should have gone. Why not offer free education to potential nurses and healthcare workers. Why not stream line their training to be faster. This mess is ALL about our Government. For the Federal Government to leave it in the hands high school educated Politicians is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. It's just more running away from responsibility. Well Trudeau sure showed that is what he does. He runs away. Of course if every Province and Country handles it differently, it will surely be stopped. (that was sarcasm) I surely hope if we really hit an "end of the world" catastrophe that countries would ban together and not make it all about the almighty dollar. Otherwise, we are simply all dead. Thank you to all the truckers who are the only ones standing up for something. As I sit here and type on a forum, they are actually doing something.

I have to wonder how many of these protesters are registered voters that have actually tried to fix their issues they have with the government with the real power they have.
 
You mean actually vote in an election? Like, do some research and investigate the issues? See where your local candidates stand on matters that are important to you? Sounds kind of boring when driving the rig up to Ottawa with my buddies and blowing my air horn all day is so much more fun. We’ll show em alright! On another note, just a quick straw poll, nothing official, how many companies on this site participated in any of the various government grants and subsidies that have been offered over the last couple of years. Just curious. The wage subsidy kept all of my employees working full time with no lay offs or reduced hours. Anyone else? Don’t be ashamed.
 
You mean actually vote in an election? Like, do some research and investigate the issues? See where your local candidates stand on matters that are important to you? Sounds kind of boring when driving the rig up to Ottawa with my buddies and blowing my air horn all day is so much more fun. We’ll show em alright! On another note, just a quick straw poll, nothing official, how many companies on this site participated in any of the various government grants and subsidies that have been offered over the last couple of years. Just curious. The wage subsidy kept all of my employees working full time with no lay offs or reduced hours. Anyone else? Don’t be ashamed.
I received the small business loan/grant of $10,000.00. After they taxed it, it became $5000.00 quickly. Paid my 2 employees for 3 weeks. Considering the loss of revenue from their shut downs I lost big time. Now considering the taxes I pay annually professionally and personally, I have to say our Government and their unprecedented amount of useless departments and employees did a bit better than I did. What exactly does the department of tourism do during Covid? LOL. How many Government employees had to quit and get CERB? Didn't we see Doug Ford at a food bank? Ha ha. I'm not one that should be complaining as our system, as much as I hate it, has done well for me. I do feel for the people that choose to close their eyes and trust a Government that has proven to be nothing but untrustworthy.
 
You mean actually vote in an election? Like, do some research and investigate the issues? See where your local candidates stand on matters that are important to you? Sounds kind of boring when driving the rig up to Ottawa with my buddies and blowing my air horn all day is so much more fun. We’ll show em alright! On another note, just a quick straw poll, nothing official, how many companies on this site participated in any of the various government grants and subsidies that have been offered over the last couple of years. Just curious. The wage subsidy kept all of my employees working full time with no lay offs or reduced hours. Anyone else? Don’t be ashamed.
Never got a red cent and worked it from day 1.
 
@loaders - folks have been held hostage in their own homes for 2 years lol. I'm not defending the actions of the protestors, but I will say this. I'm glad people are expressing their beliefs instead of a bunch of keyboard warriors - its honestly a nice change to see.

I may have a differing opinion if I was deathly worried that Rod Philips had the possibility to be in charge of my future accommodations though... :)

KInda like all the university students that were looking forward to finally getting some in class education this week that are now not?

Sorry if you've been hiding in your house for two years that's on you. Yes i have not been able to travel as much but i sure as heck have been able to explore a lot more of my local area.
 
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@Shakey - I don't think subsidized university students who will likely be entering a work environment that moves ever more to "remote" is the same thing...heck, could even stretch it to a benefit for their future success in the economy. (I dont believe that, but you get the drift).

@loaders - of course folks with different opinions cant have taken the time to vote, or read or educate themselves. Tell us more about your Poly Sci BA from the University of Athabasca

This has gotten a bit off track, but hey - at least we're talking folks and keeping it moderately respectful. Ah, the freedom.
 
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I just cannot get my head around the fact that some of our members here are standing with a group who have hassled private citizens going about their business. Have condoned the disruption of schools, day cares, vaccine clinics and assaults at food banks. Have voiced support for those who were instrumental in the forced closures of private businesses, just as restrictions were lifting (isn’t that one of the things they wanted?) And now, in Toronto, health care workers are being told to not dress in their work clothes for fear some of the demonstrators will single them out for harassment. The stretch of University Ave where most of the large hospitals are located will be closed starting today so that the demonstrators cannot interfere with patient care. Is this the group some of you are proud of? Is that the message you want the public to see? Sorry guys, I find it so disappointing and embarrassing. Protest and complain all you want, that is your right, just leave the innocent people out of it. Scaring and inconveniencing them can’t help your cause, whatever it might be today.
 
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Sahaja Freed

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REPORT FROM THE TRENCHES
I went downtown last night to see how things have been transpiring since I was there last on Sunday and to offer any help needed. This is what I witnesses first hand:
- other than the intersection of Wellington/Rideau/Sussex and Wellington itself being fully shut down all other roadways have at least one lane open to allow for traffic flow and most importantly for emergency vehicle access
- all the sidewalks and streets were cleared of snow by the truckers and supporters (shovels are to be seen and accessible everywhere)
- many trucks are parked on the outskirts with fuel tanks. People are hand balming or pulling wagons of fuel in cans to the truckers in need. Many passerbys who witness anyone carrying cans ask how they can help and get directed to the fuel trucks.
- the city is free of litter. There are black garbage bags hanging from numerous polls, bike racks, trucks, etc. One of the truckers who I helped fuel up mentioned that the city would not permit garbage removal trucks access to the downtown so supporters are removing with pick up trucks (whether that is true or not I'm not sure)
- parcel delivery people having friendly chats with supporters discussing mandate politics
- businesses appear open and seemingly operating as per usual
- there are even more trucks loaded with food and food booths serving hot food than there was on the weekend. There is absolutely no shortage of food so I find it hard to believe that the truckers are stealing food from the homeless. Especially considering that all food is FREE and offered to anyone passing by including the homeless.
- people are still dancing in the streets at various locations
- word has it that farmers from the surrounding area will be joining Saturday afternoon
Considering the level of sharing, participation, active involvement in maintenance, food, music and overall joy and comradery found downtown I have never felt such a sense of community, especially in contrast to the past two years.


Just seen this on another website I know it is going to considered fake news buy some as it is not what the mainstream is posting just a different perspective. Hundreds of little blurbs like this one for every National Post or Toronto Star the truckers are destroying etc blurbs. One is the average Canadian the other was given $600 million by the Liberal's i wonder who has the more at stake to follow the leader? PS I still do not support the convoy but sure as hell support their right to do it.
 
Ok, I can't keep quiet any more - just one more post.

I just cannot get my head around the fact that some of our members here are standing with a group who have hassled private citizens going about their business. Have condoned the disruption of schools, day cares, vaccine clinics and assaults at food banks. Have voiced support for those who were instrumental in the forced closures of private businesses, just as restrictions were lifting (isn’t that one of the things they wanted?)
This government forcefully restricted businesses, hassled citizens numerous times with threats of fines and jail time, closed schools and daycares. You advocated this as 'the greater good' and 'flatten the curve'. Now a bunch of protesters block a small portion of Ottawa and this is appalling to you? Millions of people were affected by the lockdowns and restrictions, now only a mall and maybe (probably less) 100 businesses in Ottawa are affected because Justin Trudeau cannot negotiate with 'thugs and racists'. His comments just egged more people into thinking that the organizers of the FREEDOM CONVOY are right.

And now, in Toronto, health care workers are being told to not dress in their work clothes for fear some of the demonstrators will single them out for harassment. The stretch of University Ave where most of the large hospitals are located will be closed starting today so that the demonstrators cannot interfere with patient care.
The Toronto Police put out this warning. There was no indication that protesters were going to harass or threaten health care workers. This is fear mongering by those in power. The police are idiots for putting this statement out. If fringe idiots are harassing or threatening then arrest them immediately - as the law has been changed to allow this. Once again, an idiot move by the government for not having any dialog a week ago and an idiot move by Doug Ford whose comment that 'The truckers should pack up and leave Ottawa' just caused more people to support the convoy. Now farmers with much larger equipment than trucks are getting involved which just shows its not just truckers - it is a larger portion of the population than you think.

Is this the group some of you are proud of? Is that the message you want the public to see? Sorry guys, I find it so disappointing and embarrassing. Protest and complain all you want, that is your right, just leave the innocent people out of it. Scaring and inconveniencing them can’t help your cause, whatever it might be today.
I am very proud of what has become of this. Justin Trudeau should have met with someone on the first day and had a dialog but instead he had to put his drama hat on and put on his show a couple days later hiding someplace and calling people names. A large amount of the Canadian population saw right through his redderick and a lot of people do see on the news that it isn't thugs, racists and idiots but a lot of people just voicing that enough is enough. Yes there were a few idiots but this isn't a all out free for all like we see in the US.
I am also very proud that people are saying enough is enough and bringing attention in Coutts, AB. Once again Justin Trudeau isn't addressing their concerns either so the blockade continues but Jason Kenny got it. Yes Jason said that the blockade has nothing to do with his decision but who cares - he has to say that and everyone knows why he decided to diminish lockdowns.
I hope that more cities will get blockades and they will until Justin Trudeau acts like a prime minister and addresses the concerns. Canada is one of the highest ranking countries in the world in respect to vaccine uptake but for some stupid reason the country with the strictest COVID restrictions. What has that gotten us? Two years later and still lockdowns. Double and triple vaccinated people getting COVID at the same frequency as unvaccinated people. The system is not working as they said it would.
All these protests originate because Justin Trudeau wants to maintain that the less than 20% of the population who are not vaccinated are a serious threat and a problem. You now need 2 jabs to go to post secondary education - students in the middle of their career education are stopped and will probably need government support for years. You need 2 jabs to go across the border, 2 jabs to get on a plane or a train - try crossing the country without the use of a plane or train. You need 2 or 3 jabs to have/keep your job in a bunch of industries, you need 2 jabs to eat in a restaurant and who knows what else they might come up with. The government has entertained that 2 jabs might not be enough and might soon be 3 (or who knows what will be next). Tons of seniors required someone to help them get their QR codes which were made mandatory. This process is very daunting to a senior who has very little experience on computers and caused a lot of stress and anxiety. To facilitate the government expects food service workers and airline kiosk operators to check for vaccine status. This is not a function that they should be doing - in fact I don't understand why they keep doing it as there is certainly no enforcement. Airlines and restaurants should want anyone and everyone to use their services. Furthermore this whole fiasco is dividing our country in ways that are unfathomable. Just this thread alone shows you how divided we are and from what I read it looks like its a 50/50 split on how people think but they are on complete polar opposites. So far apart that I'm sure someone has yelled at their computer screen more than once after reading some of these posts.
It has long been time to quit coercing the less than 20%. If you want the shots (whatever number they think is enough) then go get them and forget about the people who choose not to get it- just like the flu shot now. The unvaccinated do not pose a threat to the vaccinated. It is now time to stop the coercion and remove any restriction that is based on vaccination status. Continue to offer the shots for free, plaster the benefits over billboards and on TV/Radio ads. If Justin Trudeau would just start with that I am sure that the FREEDOM CONVOY will see that as a positive step forward and agree to diminish their effect. I'm sure a large portion of the population would agree.

I could go on and on and on but I am done for now and I promise I won't post in this thread again because I have said my piece.