Trucker convoy rolls through Hamilton, Niagara Region on Thursday

A convoy of truckers protesting mandatory vaccinations will be rolling through the Golden Horseshoe Area on Thursday.

The drivers began a cross-country trip in British Columbia on the weekend and are heading to Ottawa to stage a demonstration on Parliament Hill. The convoy will make stops in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Hamilton before heading to Kingston.

A group called Canada Unity is organizing the movement, which its members refer to as “Freedom Convoy.”

The group is protesting the federal government’s mandate that requires all truckers coming into the country to show proof of vaccination to avoid testing and a quarantine period. It says the rules are “unconstitutional, discriminatory and segregating and human rights violations.”

Large crowds have turned out in support of the convoy as it makes its way across Canada.

Thousands lining the street on Centennial Parkway in Hamilton waiting for the trucker convoy right now. @CHCHNews pic.twitter.com/A2yA2nUxI1

— Kelly Botelho (@botelhok) January 27, 2022

Organizers say the vaccination mandate will mean fewer truckers will be on the roads which will cause a supply issue in stores across the country.

However, experts say the supply issues some stores are currently experiencing are due to last week’s massive winter storm and staffing shortages due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Speaking at a news conference Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the vast majority of truckers are vaccinated.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance says only 15 per cent of drivers – roughly 16,000 – are not fully vaccinated. The alliance has denounced protests on public roadways, highways and bridges.

Ontario Provincial Police says delays are expected on the QEW, Highway 400, Highway 427, Highway 403, and Highway 401 over the next few days as the convoy heads to Ottawa.

Traffic Advisory: The #OPP is aware of potential traffic disruptions expected throughout the #GTA, including #QEW, #Hwy400, #Hwy427, #Hwy403 and #Hwy401. Traffic delays anticipated Thursday until Saturday. Please be patient and #DriveSafe. https://t.co/Z9KfAG4VF2

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) January 26, 2022