Police in Ottawa have been in contact with leaders of a trucker convoy about their weekend protest plans in the capital and are preparing for several scenarios including potential violence.

Chief Peter Sloly says organizers of the demonstration against the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers have been co-operative, sharing their plans with police.

He predicts the protest could last several days however that the situation’s quite fluid.

The police chief adds while supporting the right to peaceful protest, officers will be ready to move protesters out of the demonstration area should things become threatening or violent.

Meanwhile the federal transport minister is assuring Canadians there’s no reason to fear food shortages.

Omar Alghabra says only a small minority of drivers are refusing to comply with the mandate, and that the large grocery store chains and other retailers have assured him they have plenty of goods for consumers.