Grande Prairie—Mackenzie MP Chris Warkentin says he does not support the vaccine mandate imposed on truckers across the country. In a statement, Warken tin says he is concerned about the effect the January 15th mandate will have on the cost of living for those in the Peace Country.
“This couldn’t have come at a worse time and will ultimately drive up the cost of everyday goods,” he says. “From auto parts to furniture, appliances to food imports, everything moves by truck, but there are now fewer drivers.”
Warkentin says the mandate shows Prime Minister Justin Trudeau doesn’t care about the consequences of the government’s actions, specifically at a time when the national inflation rate, which sits at 4.7 per cent. He says residents will be the ones paying the price for what he believes is a poor policy decision.
“The government should back off on the mandate because it will only increase shipping costs and further hinder an already weak supply chain,” he says.
“I will continue to fight for common sense… Trudeau must back down and protect Canadians who will otherwise be unnecessarily hurt by his reckless actions,” he adds.
Warkentin says truckers have played a vital role in keeping the economy running and getting goods needed by Canadians delivered throughout the pandemic.