Canadian Trucker Protest
Hundreds of large trucks have descended upon downtown Ottawa to protest the country’s COVID-19 restrictions. The demonstrators have paralyzed the Canadian capital by blocking city streets and blaring their horns.
The truckers along with their supporters have been accused of inciting hate and destruction of property during their nearly two-week siege. Local officials have requested assistance from the federal government to help quell the unrest. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson has declared a state of emergency for his city and is asking for an additional 1,800 police officers and a mediator to help bring the crisis to an end.
What is happening in Ottawa?
INSTRUCTORS: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos:
News Articles:
Canada truckers protest: Trudeau demands an end to trucker protest
BBC NEWS
February 8, 2022
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60300163
Neo-Nazis and QAnon: how Canadian truckers’ anti-vaccine protest was steered by extremists
THE GUARDIAN
February 8, 2022
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/08/canada-ottawa-trucker-protest-extremist-qanon-neo-nazi
Canadian protesters block access to major border crossing as demonstrations against Covid-19 measures continue
CNN
February 8, 2022
https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/08/americas/canada-trucker-protests-covid-tuesday/index.html
News Articles (Analyses):
Canada’s NDP leader says trucker convoy aims to ‘overthrow’ gov’t
ALJAZEERA
February 7, 2022
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/7/canada-ndp-leader-trucker-convoy-aims-to-overthrow-govt
Canadian-style trucker protests spread throughout the world
FOX NEWS
February 7, 2022
https://www.foxnews.com/world/canadian-style-trucker-protests-spread-world
US trucker convoy coming: Joe Biden will ignore protests at his peril
THE HILL
February 3, 2022
Ottawa truckers’ convoy galvanizes far-right worldwide
POLITICO
February 6, 2022
Assessment:
Writing: Why are truckers protesting in Canada ?
Debate: What role if any should governments have in helping to curb the spread of COVID-19?
Poll: Did Canada go too far in its vaccine mandate for truck drivers?
Short Answer: What is the impact of truckers protesting in Canada?
QUIZ:
Only around 15% of Canadian truck drivers have been vaccinated against COVID-19. (T/F)
The convoy was organized by those on the far-right. (T/F)
A state of emergency has been declared for Ottawa. (T/F)
Which of the following is a concern if protests among truckers persist and spread around the world?
- Supply chains could be compromised.
- The military may have to restore order.
- A shortage of trucks.
- An increase in carbon emissions.
What served as the catalyst for the protests by truckers?
a. Reduction in pay.
b. Vaccine mandate.
c. Increase in fuel prices.
d. Massive layoffs.
All the following are true concerning ways protesters have disrupted life in Ottawa EXCEPT.
a. Honking their horns.
b. Blocking city streets.
c. Deadly use of force.
d. Destruction of property.
