Advisory, Helpline Number Issued For Indians: Here's All About Truckers' Protest In Canada

Life in Canada's capital Ottawa has been paralysed due to the truckers' protests, which show no signs of slowing down. Hundreds of truckers are protesting to denounce an order requiring truckers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to cross Canada¡¯s land border with the United States.

The agitation has escalated to the extent that a state of emergency had to been imposed in the city on 6 February.

Christine Pitawanich/KGW

What is happening right now?

The High Commission of India in Ottawa has asked Indian citizens in Canada and those planning to visit Canada to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place such as downtown Ottawa. In an appeal, the Indian High Commission urged Indians in Canada to follow instructions of local authorities, including curfews.

A special emergency helpline (+1) 6137443751 has been set up in the High Commission in Ottawa to provide assistance and guidance to Indian citizens in distress. The Indian citizens are advised to monitor local media for the evolving situation - an advisory issued by the Indian High Commission said.

What does the govt advisory say?

"The Canadian capital city of Ottawa and several other major cities, including Toronto, are currently witnessing protests with road blockages, demonstrations, large gatherings and general strikes. This has led to disruptions to traffic, transportation and shortages of essential items including food and water," the High Commission said in the advisory.

Reuters

"The impact on traffic and services is likely to continue and local authorities in other major cities of Canada may also impose curfews or other restrictions at short notice," the advisory said.

The High Commission said, "In view of the ongoing situation, Indian citizens in Canada and those planning to visit Canada are hereby advised to - Exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, such as downtown Ottawa, follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfews, and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations and the evolving situation."

But, why are truckers against vaccine mandate?

Truckers, who are considered as essential workers given the huge bilateral trade between Canada and the US, were initially exempted from vaccination.

Patrick Doyle/Reuters

The Canadian government, on 15 January, then imposed a mandate requiring truckers to provide proof of vaccination before entering Canada from the United States. Failing to do so would require them to quarantine for 14 days.

The 'Freedom Convoy', which had begun as a truckers protest against the vaccine mandate, quickly blew up into a massive anti-vaccination protest against the government and its overall COVID response.

How are protests disrupting daily life?

The situation has been tense in the last few days in Ottawa as the protests have now become very loud and disruptive for the local communities. Business are being shut down due to the blocked streets and the continuous honking.

Getty

Protesters have said they won¡¯t leave until all mandates and Covid-19 restrictions are gone. They are also calling for the removal of Trudeau¡¯s government, though it is responsible for a few of the measures, most of which were put in place by provincial governments.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.