All filled up and no way to go to Canada easily for these truckers idling Tuesday afternoon on Fort Street in Detroit. (Photos: Michael Lucido)
Industrial shipments, agricultural products and commercial freight of all kinds is being diverted or blocked by a Canadian truckers' protest against Covid vaccine mandates. The action, part of week-long nationwide protests, spread Monday to Windsor near the Ambassador Bridge gateway.
"Trafffic at the busiest border crossing in North America [is at] a virtual standstill Tuesday," The Windsor Star posts in mid-afternoon.
The Canada Border Services Agency on Tuesday afternoon declared the port of entry closed until further notice. On the Detroit side, the Michigan Department of Transportation said the bridge remained closed to Windsor-bound traffic. It advises truckers to use the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, 70 miles away. Passenger vehicles can use the Detroit-Windsor tunnel.
The impact is serious, as intended. "More than 25 percent of goods traded between the United States and Canada moves across the privately owned Ambassador Bridge," notes Crain's Detroit Business.
Some 7,000 trucks are estimated to cross the Windsor-Detroit corridor every day, according to the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. ... Those truckloads of goods include auto parts and new vehicles. ...
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, which lobbies on behalf of the Detroit 3 automakers in Canada, is calling for an immediate end to the protests.
"Blockades at Canada's borders are threatening fragile supply chains already under pressure due to pandemic related shortages and backlogs," association CEO Brian Kingston said in a statement. "We are calling on cooperation from all levels of government to resolve this situation and bring an immediate end to these blockades."
Kingston called the crossing "a key conduit for motor vehicles and parts, Canada's second largest export."
In Windsor, regional Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rakesh Naidu tells The Star:
"To constrict the border like this will impact everyone not just in Windsor, but Ontario and Canada. You have thousands of businesses that rely on the border and trade coming through. You have inventory based on just-in-time delivery.
"Any disruption of supply can lead to shifts being cancelled and if it continues, closing operations. ... This is not just manufacturing, but goods we all consume as well, like fresh produce, or chemicals and fuel that we need."
Original article, Monday morning:
Truckers protesting Canada's Covid vaccine mandates and restrictions blocked traffic Monday on the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor.
After an overnight shutdown of U.S.-bound traffic, the critical span reopened, Windsor Police tweeted at 5:52 a.m. But by 9 a.m., protesters again snarled traffic on a Wyandotte Street bridge approach, CBC reporter Chris Ensing tweets at 9 a.m. A trickle of big rigs were getting through.
The Detroit River bridge is a major trade route used by more than 40,000 commuters, tourists and truckers daily.
The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron remained open.
This was the scene Monday evening:
Huron Church Rd. closed off bet. College & Tecumseh Rd W. for all traffic. Avoid the area. We urge those involved not to endanger members of the public, jeopardize public peace or participate in illegal events. Those found committing crimes will be investigated & charged. dg12833 pic.twitter.com/DZDwY69gDs
— Windsor Police (@WindsorPolice) February 8, 2022
The "Freedom Convoy" protest began just over a week ago in Ottawa, Canada's capital, and has spread throughout the country. It's supported by many U.S. Republicans, including former President Donald Trump. He calls Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a "far left lunatic" who has "destroyed Canada with insane Covid mandates," news coverage says.
The Washington Post has this background Tuesday:
The demonstrations began in late January after Canada and the United States imposed a new rule requiring cross-border truck drivers to be fully vaccinated to enter their respective countries. Since then, the protests have grown into a broader condemnation both of pandemic-related measures and the government of recently reelected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as far-right extremists, conspiracy theorists and anti-government activists have joined their ranks.
(Photo: ABC News video)
On Sunday, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency to help deal with the protracted protest. The city was "losing this battle" and "completely out of control," media reports quote him as saying. The capital's police chief calls it a "siege" that his 1,200-officer force can't manage.
Mayor Watson added that the protests endanger residents' safety. There have also been reports of racial attacks. Ottawa's center has been paralyzed, with vehicles and tents blocking roads.
The Windsor Star reported:
Meanwhile, Ontario Trucking Association President Stephen Laskowski issued a statement Saturday criticizing the ongoing protests, which shifted this weekend to include a focus on downtown Toronto.
He noted how the “vast majority” of the Ontario trucking industry is vaccinated with an overall vaccination rate among truckers that “closely mirrors” the general public.
Fox 2 News video:
