The United States on Thursday called on Canada to use “federal powers” to end the pandemic of anti-pandemic protesters who have blocked major border crossings between the two neighboring countries for days and are threatening economy.
With the closure of a third border crossing with the United States, the so-called “freedom convoy” protests spread further into Canada yesterday.
Protesters have blocked major trade routes, which has already caused unrest in some areas, such as the car industry on both sides of the border, following the four-day blockade of the Ambassador Bridge between Ontario in Canada and Detroit in the United States. .
Washington has offered to offer its “full and absolute help,” White House officials said Thursday, noting that several U.S. ministers are in regular contact with their Canadian counterparts on the issue. They also assured that the government of US President Joe Biden is “mobilizing 24 hours a day to put an end to the crisis”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trindade yesterday again called for an end to the protests: “It's time to end this as it hurts Canadians,” but did not propose a specific action plan.
His government has only announced that police reinforcements will be sent to the blockade points, but without further specifying.
Concerns have risen in recent days as protesters blocked the Abasador Bridge, striking a “central nerve” for the auto industry and forcing giants Ford, Stellantis and Toyota to suspend or temporarily slow down several construction chains.
Considering the situation a “national crisis”, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens announced his intention to “evict” the protesters by force, if he obtains permission from a court.
“The economic damage caused by this occupation of international trade cannot last and must stop,” he added.
The area around the bridge is vital to the automotive industry, said Jason Miller, a supply chain specialist at Michigan State University. “Some species can cross the bridge up to five, six or seven times.”
More than 40,000 workers and tourists cross the border every day, and truck drivers carry an average of $ 323 million worth of goods daily.
“There is an urgent need for local, provincial and national government governments in Canada to end this economic embargo,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, calling on the authorities to take “all necessary steps”.
“We do not like to create stories”
Demonstrations are spreading to the streets of the federal capital Ottawa, according to an AFP reporter. Hundreds of trucks are still blocking the streets, parked in front of parliament and Justin Trinto's offices.
Ottawa police explained once again that they are “not in a position” to “end” the demonstration without reinforcements. Its leader, Peter Sloaney, said he “did not have enough resources” to “block the supply of fuel to trucks blocking the roads” or to “make arrests”.
Police in riot gear stormed a rally on Wednesday, removing hundreds of protesters by truck.
“You know you did something wrong when the Canadians got angry. “We are known for our calm, we do not like to create stories,” said Naomi Gilman, a 30-year-old Ottawa resident.
For Ed Humphrey, who was clearing the way for the occupation, “ordinary people have a voice, that's exactly what this movement is about!” Coming from Manitoba, this worker expressed his satisfaction for “a growing support”.
In Europe, authorities have taken precautionary measures: so-called “freedom convoy” rallies over the weekend have been banned, mainly in Paris and Brussels.
Meanwhile in New Zealand, where anti-vaccination protesters have been gathering for three days near parliament in the capital Wellington, clashes broke out yesterday between police and protesters. More than 120 people were arrested.
