WINDSOR, Ont. (WWJ) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she has reached out to the Canadian government in efforts to put an end to the blockade at the Ambassador Bridge, blocking commercial traffic from crossing the border.
The blockade, part of anti-COVID-19 vaccine mandate protests, is known as the "Freedom Convoy," as many Canadian truckers are upset with the government's requirements. Now in its fourth day, Whitmer says the demonstration is impacting business in Michigan, especially auto plants.
Ford and General Motors have both announced disruptions to shifts at plants, and are exploring alternative options.
"I know that General Motors and Ford are looking at alternative routes for getting some supplies in, but there's nothing that can even it out," Whitmer said Thursday. "We may be able to have some workarounds, but there's not a workaround that will fix the problem in whole. And that's why the governments need to work together and resolve this with the protesters."
Whitmer said she has asked the White House to reach out to the Canadian government.
"They need to resolve this," she said. "They need to get the blockade released so that commerce can flow again."
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens on Thursday vowed to bring an end to the protest, who during a Thursday news conference via Zoom, told reporters he was seeking a court injunction to remove protesters, with the help of law enforcement.
Dilkens said Whitmer offered to send heavy equipment to Windsor to help remove the vehicles blocking the entrance, which officials say is the busiest land border crossing in North America.
Officials have estimated the blockade is impacting upwards of $400 million worth of goods each day.
Whitmer says it's not just the big companies that are being hurt by the demonstrations, but also everyday truckers and auto workers.
"There are hard working men and women in an industry that is just getting back to full strength who are now gonna be out of a job, at least temporarily, who are gonna need unemployment. It's gonna have massive impacts on all of us in Michigan," Whitmer said.
Currently, the Canadian government requires anyone entering the country to be fully vaccinated against the virus, and those opposed to the requirements are pushing back.
Truckers and other supporters of the Freedom Convoy haven't budged from their spots along Huron Church Road, which is the first exit after the bridge, since shutting up shop on Monday.
While the Detroit-Windsor tunnel remains open for cross-border traffic, and saw minimal delays on Thursday, commercial traffic was being re-routed to the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, where delays were lasting several hours.
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest coverage of the Ambassador Bridge protests, with traffic updates every 10 minutes on the 8s. >>> LISTEN LIVE!
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