Truck on the highway in Alberta, Canada. Photo: Adrian Greeman/Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty Images
Montana's government announced in statement Friday that it will be offering free COVID-19 vaccines to Canadian truck drivers from Alberta.
Why it matters: Starting Monday, about 2,000 Albertan truckers who regularly drive goods into the U.S. will be able to get vaccinated at a stop in Conrad, Montana, per a press release from the Alberta government.
The big picture: The program will last until May 23, and truckers will receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine, per the press release.
- "About 800 commercial carriers cross the Alberta-Montana border at the Coutts Border Crossing each day," the statement notes.
Of note: Other border states are also helping Canadians who regularly come into the U.S.
- North Dakota began vaccinating Canadian truckers from Manitoba in April, BBC reports.
- Just last week Ontario's Premier Doug Ford approached Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) about the possibility of having some essential workers vaccinated stateside, per CBC.
What they're saying: “By working together and taking this critical action, we keep our trade channels open between Montana and Alberta.” Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) said in the statement.
- "Alberta depends on trade with our American neighbours and this program will ensure our goods get to market while stopping the spike of COVID-19," said Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.