The United States on Thursday called on Canada to use “federal powers” to put an end to the anti-sanitary measures convoys which have been blocking border axes between American neighbors for several days. Economic sectors are disrupted.
With the blocking of a third major border axis with the United States, the dispute spread further Thursday to Canada. Protesters are now hitting the economy by crippling critical trade routes. The automotive industry, in particular, has been affected on both sides of the border, since the blocking four days ago of the Ambassador Bridge, between Ontario and Detroit in the United States.
Washington has offered its “full help,” White House officials said Thursday. Several American ministers are in regular contact with their Canadian counterparts on this subject.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called once more on Thursday for an end to the protests: “It’s time for this to end, because it hurts Canadians.” However, he had not proposed a concrete action plan. His government merely indicated that police reinforcements would be sent to the blocking points.
Suspended production lines
Concern has escalated in recent days as by blocking the Ambassador Bridge protesters have touched a central nerve for the auto industry and forced industry giants Ford, Stellantis and Toyota to suspend or temporarily slow chains manufacturing in several factories.
Calling the situation a “national crisis”, City of Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens announced his intention to “evict” the protesters by force if he gets permission from a court. “The economic damage this occupation is causing to international trade cannot last and must end,” he added.
The area around the bridge is crucial to the auto industry, says Jason Miller, a supply chain expert at Michigan State University. “Some pieces can cross the bridge up to five, six or seven times.”
This cross-border bridge sees more than 40,000 workers and tourists passing through it every day. Truckers move an average of $323 million worth of goods there every day.
The protest movement is spreading on the roads. In Ottawa, hundreds of trucks are still blocking the streets, especially in front of Parliament and the offices of Justin Trudeau. The city police once more explained that they were “not in a position” to “put an end” to the demonstration without reinforcements.
Despite a warning issued to protesters on Wednesday, police have only made two new arrests, bringing the number to 25 since the start of the movement.
This article has been published automatically. Sources: ats / afp
