Thousands of people gathered in Vaudreuil-Soulanges on Friday, January 28th, to witness the passage of the convoy formed by truckers who took to the road from across Canada to go and protest in Ottawa.
It was around 2:30 p.m. that the first vehicles appeared on Highway 40 westbound. At exit 17 in Rigaud, people from all over the region and even from outside the region, gathered. From Gaspésie to Rigaud, citizens were present on the overpasses to attend the event.
“We are here in support with the truckers to regain our freedom that we lost with the pandemic, proudly say two young ladies gathered at exit 17. We are also present for our children and future generations so that they too know what it’s like to live without a mask, be happy and go to the stores.”
It was difficult to estimate the number of vehicles that made up the convoy since it was divided into several groups. “It’s incredible what we are going through, explains Jonathan, who stood on an overpass to watch the convoy pass. Tomorrow I’m going to Ottawa with friends. We are bringing food, gas and everything necessary to stay there for a few days.”
Mixed opinions
On social networks, many Internet users reacted. Here are some of them.
“A lot of resources, time, pollution… for really not much”, writes Véronique Chayer on a video published by VIVA MÉDIA.
“For people who say it’s ridiculous, I hope you don’t have children. Think of them, crap I’m tired of hearing you”, writes Steph Villeneuve.
“Healthcare workers should not start doing this. There would be no one left to treat the truckers”, publishes Manon Giroux.
“So nice to see Canadians support each other and especially to see 50% of vaccinated people follow the movement. We are tired of being filled with lies by the media. Le Pass, we don’t want it. 90% is vaccinated, the government is not yet satisfied, that’s enough”, says Joël Landry.
The Bloc Québécois reacts
The member for Salaberry-Suroît, Claude DeBellefeuille, recognizes that people have the right to demonstrate and express their discontent, with respect, but that she cannot support the demands of the movement.
“I realize that 90% of Quebecers have made the responsible choice to be vaccinated, just like more than 85% of truckers have also made the responsible choice to be vaccinated, explains Mrs. DeBellefeuille. It is therefore not the movement of truckers, but of certain truckers and certain objectors of all health measures and vaccination.”
On the issue of the border, the MNA for Salaberry-Suroît is in favor of tight, safe and coherent management for all. “It is also the choice of the United States to apply this vaccination obligation to truckers who pass through the border and this is therefore a gesture of consistency. At the Bloc Québécois, we also strongly denounce the acts of intimidation perpetrated against journalists, as well as the presence of far-right symbols. We hope that the demonstration will continue to take place in peace and without violence. Quebec began its deconfinement plan on Monday, January 31st. I think it will do us a lot of good, because we are all looking forward to finally being passed this fifth wave”, concludes Claude DeBellefeuille.
