Canada’s fresh produce supply hit by jab mandate for US truckers

Canada is facing growing shortages of fresh fruits and vegetables as border agents have begun refusing entry to unvaccinated US truckers, leading to chaos, according to a Bloomberg report. A mandate starting on January 15 requires truck drivers crossing into Canada to be vaccinated, which rules out about half of US truck drivers. This is leading to empty shelves as up to 90% of Canada’s fruits and vegetables come from the US during winter, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
Gary Sands, senior vice president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, said:

“We’re seeing shortages. We’re hearing from members they’re going into some stores where there’s no oranges or bananas.”

Canada’s supply chain was already in difficulty due to recent storms, the pandemic, global logistical problems and rising prices.