A trucking convoy from British Columbia to Ottawa protesting vaccine mandates has Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen applauding those taking part.

Some estimates have put the number of trucks as high as 50,000.

"I support their right to peacefully protest on issues that are there. Freedom convoys are going through on the number one right now," said Kitchen, "And then likewise hopefully getting out to various areas."

Kitchen's support of the protests includes a willingness to travel with them - however, he won't be able to thanks to conflicts with his schedule.

"I found out about it, unfortunately, a little bit late and I wasn't able to attend just because of other meetings," said Kitchen. "It looked like there was a fairly decent turnout."

Kitchen says that he hopes they're listened to once they get to the capital, as he believes their issues are important.

"There are issues that are going to be big concerns for Canadians going forward. Talk of shelves that are being bare," said Kitchen. "And then that even gets greater. While the prime minister sort of turns a blind eye to that, there are concerns about it."

Kitchen stressed the necessity for both sides to discuss the situation to move things forward.

"I think what needs to happen is there needs to be some reasonable discussion on this subject and unfortunately that's not happening. We have a government that's saying 'It's my way or the highway,' to use a phrase. The reality is that's not what it should be like in Canada. This is where we sit and we discuss issues and we put that out there."

The convoy of truckers is expected to reach Ottawa on Saturday.