Minister of Transportation Rajan Sawhney issued the following statement on the federal vaccine mandate for truckers:

“Alberta’s transportation network is a vital part of our economy and it is what connects our communities. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the movement of goods, services and people supported and boosted Alberta’s economy.

“According to the Alberta Motor Transport Association, 52 per cent of Alberta’s gross domestic product is delivered on the back of a truck. The pandemic and recent flooding in British Columbia have shown us that the supply chain is both critical and fragile, and we are doing everything we can to keep our economy functioning and growing through these difficult times.

“The Government of Alberta has heard from our transportation stakeholders about the new federal government and U.S. government vaccine mandates relating to cross-border travel.

“We have been working with our industry stakeholders throughout the pandemic to maintain an effective workforce and transportation network. We have also worked with the federal government to address the challenges faced by our industry, and we will continue to advocate for our interests.

“We will watch closely to monitor the effect of these new federal vaccine mandates and take action as required in the best interest of Albertans.”