By Chris Brown

program will start May 10

Alberta, Montana strike deal to vaccinate truckers

May 7, 2021 | 10:24 AM

The governments of Alberta and Montana have signed a deal to vaccinate truck drivers who are required to cross the border between the two.

“Truck drivers have worked hard throughout the pandemic to keep the supply chain open and deliver the essential goods that Albertans need,” said Premier Jason Kenney on Friday. “By vaccinating truck drivers who travel across the Montana Alberta border we’re protecting them from COVID-19 infection and we’re ensuring supply chain remains open during the pandemic.”

Kenney said truck drivers will be vaccinated with surplus vaccine supplies provided by Montana. There will be no cost to Albertans for this vaccine program as the United States government will be covering the cost of providing and administering the vaccine for the state.

The program will start on May 10.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

6h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Truck drivers entering Montana from Alberta will be provided the vaccine at a rest stop near Conrad, Mont., about 100 kilometres south of the Coutts border crossing. They will not have to book ahead.

Truckers will receive the single-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson. About 2,000 doses have been set aside for the program and expansion can be discussed later, said Kenney.

“It wasn’t long after the pandemic took hold that commercials transportation workers were recognized for their roles in our daily lives and the critical role they play in the pandemic as essential workers,” said Chris Nash, president of the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA).

Nash said the vaccines commercial truckers bring to market are helping restore normal life. He added the AMTA is grateful and honoured to be part of the program.

The deal is similar to one previously struck between the Saskatchewan and Manitoba governments with North Dakota.

For the past few weeks, Montana’s Blackfeet Tribe has been providing free vaccinations to Canadians and Americans at a mobile clinic on the U.S. side near the Carway border crossing.