Trucker convoy makes its way to the Sudbury area
The cross-Canada trucker convoy protesting vaccine mandates made its way through northeastern Ontario on Friday.
Greater Sudbury Police said early Friday evening the front of the convoy was headed to Wahnapitae along Highway 17, while the remainder was still gassing up at a service station on Regent Street.
CTV News caught up with the convoy in Nairn Centre, just west of Sudbury. A few hundred supporters lined the highway to greet them.
“I’ve been inspired by seeing what the truckers are doing to try to make a difference," one supporter said. "Our children have been locked down for too long, and it’s not good for their development. We have to take care of our country because our leader is not.”
“We’ve come out for this reason: freedom. This is about freedom, (Prime Minister) Trudeau, this is not about the fringe.”
Others said the protest was about regaining their freedom after extensive lockdowns due to the pandemic.
“Forcing people to do things, I don’t think is a good idea," one person said.
"I came from a country where (we were) forced a lot and, then we came here for freedom. So I would like to have that Canada back and I’m here to support them.”
A group called Action for Canada, which has begun legal action against the Canadian and B.C. governments, was one of the groups in attendance.
“My hope is that we come together and start to have dialogue and we go over the nuances of the science and what is going on in particular on the laws and freedoms and we work together to keep everyone safe,” said spokesperson David DiCarlantonio
Northern Ontario politicians said Friday they welcome the public dissent, but they worry about some radical elements.
“The bulk of the protestors who started … they have a right to protest as every Canadian does and that’s something that I support wholeheartedly," said Nipissing-Temiskaming MPP Anthony Rota.
"But there’s a small fringe group that have kind of come in and infiltrated the group that I’m concerned about. That’s the ones I’m concerned about on what exactly their plans are.”
The truckers have already started to arrive in Ottawa, and a huge rally and protest is scheduled for Saturday at noon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.