Embedded Files
In this article, Garrison Gove will explain the tension surrounding the nearly weeklong obstruction of the Ambassador Bridge
Protestors Obstruct Bridge
Protestors Obstruct Bridge
By Garrison Gove
By Garrison Gove
On February 13, 2022, the Ambassador Bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan reopened after a nearly week-long obstruction. The blockage was caused by protestors with the Freedom Convoy, a group of Canadian truckers who are protesting Canada’s new mandate, requiring truckers to be fully vaccinated in order to travel between the U.S. and Canada. The reopening has allowed economic trade between the United States and Canada to resume.
The 7,500 foot long bridge is one of the busiest international border crossings in North America. “It is estimated that 10,000 commercial vehicles cross the bridge each day to deliver $325 million of goods, with approximately $50 million worth of automotive parts”, said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Beginning on February 7, 2022, protestors blockaded the bridge, grinding traffic to a halt. Officials declared the bridge reopened on February 8. However, the blockade resumed shortly after.
The blockade had several economic consequences. Ford Motors experienced work shortages at their assembly plants in Oakville, Ontario and Lansing, Michigan. The company also shut down its plant in Windsor. Parts manufacturers for Chrysler were also shut down, and Toyota announced that its three plants in Ontario would be unable to produce vehicles for the rest of the week.
On Feb. 11, the Ontario Superior Court granted an injunction to clear the protestors from the bridge. The same day, Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency in the province.On Feb. 12, the Ontario Provincial Police, the RCMP, and the Windsor Police began working to remove the blockade. Two protestors were arrested, 7 vehicles were towed, and 11 tickets were issued. The following morning, the joint police force finally gained control of the area. According to CTV News, a total of 42 individuals were arrested and 37 vehicles seized. By the day’s end, the bridge had fully reopened.
This is not the only protest to have occured along the U.S.-Canada border. Protestors obstructed the crossing between Sweet Grass, Montana and Coutts, Alberta beginning on Jan. 29, and the crossing between Blaine, Washington and Surrey, British Columbia beginning on February 5. These protests are just one of many examples of how the pandemic is indirectly impacting the world around us.
Page updated
Report abuse