Canada, US: Truckers to converge on Ottawa from locations nationwide for major rally Jan. 29; solidarity actions likely at US border posts /update 1

Event

Truck drivers from across Canada plan to demonstrate in Ottawa Jan. 29 to protest a recently implemented COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Drivers are traveling to the nation's capital in large convoys from various parts of the country and plan to converge on the city at or about 12:00 Jan. 29. Participating truckers will arrive in Ottawa in two motorcades moving primarily along the Trans-Canada Highway from both the west and east, with a third approaching from the Toronto area in the south. Drivers plan to disrupt traffic by driving slowly along parts of their routes. Upon arrival in Ottawa, participants will rally on Parliament Hill. Additional drivers will likely join the convoys, gradually increasing the size of each, as they near the Canadian capital.

Truckers in Quebec, however, plan to stage a separate but related action Jan. 28. Drivers will assemble at three Canada-US border crossing points before linking up at Vaudreuil outside of Montreal at 14:00. Participants will then spend the night at Vankleek Hill, Ontario, and continue to Ottawa to join the main protest Jan. 29. Details of the Quebec demonstration are as follows:

• St. Theophile/Jackman Border Crossing: Convoy to assemble at 08:00 before traveling along Route 173 toward Quebec City, turning south on the Trans-Canada Highway (Rt. 20), and transiting central Montreal to Vaudreuil.

• Stanstead Border Crossing: Convoy to assemble at 10:30 before traveling along Route 55 northward, turning west on Route 10, and transiting central Montreal to Vaudreuil.

• Lacolle Border Crossing: Convoy to assemble at 11:30 before traveling along the A-15 northward toward Montreal, crossing the Honore Mercier Bridge, and transiting the south side of the city to Vaudreuil.

Moreover, US truckers plan to gather in solidarity protests near at least three border crossings - specifically in Houlton, Maine; Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; and Sweet Grass, Montana - at 12:00 Jan. 29. Additional gatherings are possible at other locations on the US side of the border.

Additionally, groups not affiliated with the trucking industry will likely stage supporting protests in the coming days. Protesters will gather at the statue of Maurice Richard on Laurier Street in Gatineau at 10:00 Jan. 29 before beginning to march at 11:15 to Parliament Hill to join the trucker protest. Demonstrators will likely march along the Alexandra Bridge.

The motorcades will likely cause significant transport disruptions as they approach the greater Ottawa area. Authorities will almost certainly monitor the event and deploy increased security on Parliament Hill as the rallies are taking place. Ground transport disruptions are likely in Ottawa and near targeted border crossings in both Canada and the US and along some roads and highways on convoy routes. Business disruptions may occur near gathering sites.

Advice

Plan accordingly for localized transport disruptions along convoy routes, with major traffic congestion in central Ottawa following the convoys' arrival Jan. 29. Consider alternative routes for cross-border shipments to avoid border gates targeted by demonstrations. Heed all official security and transport advisories. Review supply chain contingency plans to minimize the potential for disruption through at least Jan. 29.