Freedom Convoy protestors defy court order, continue to block border crossing
People protesting against Covid-19 measures in Canada continue to defy a court injunction, blocking a key Canada-US trade corridor.
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Vehicles blocking the route of the Ambassador bridge, which links Detroit and Windsor
Protestors in Canada opposing the government's Covid-19 measures have flouted a court order and the imposition of a state of emergency in Ottawa.
"Freedom Convoy" protestors are still blocking a border crossing linking the US and Canada, hours after a judge ordered the ending of the protests that have damaged the supply of goods between the two countries, drawing the ire of the auto industry.
The US urged Canada to use federal power to end the trucker "Freedom Convoy" protests in the nation's capital. "Freedom Convoy" drivers, according to the judge's ruling, can now be fined $100,000, jailed for a year, and have their trucks seized and licenses revoked after Biden urged Trudeau to get even tougher.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported Thursday that the White House has urged Canada's government to use "federal powers" to end Covid-19 vaccine mandate protests in Ottawa and other Canadian cities
Members of US President Joe Biden's administration “held a series of high level calls with their Canadian counterparts, urging them to use their federal powers to end the blockades,” while offering the US Department of Homeland Security's “full support” to deal with the protests, indicated the CBC.
The truckers are protesting Covid-19 restrictions in Canada, which force them to be fully vaccinated or undergo quarantine when they cross the US border.
Auto industry damaged
The Ambassador Bridge, which was shut down on Tuesday and is currently blocked to commercial traffic due to protests, is the busiest bridge between Canada and the United States and is a vital link for the auto industry.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the blockade unacceptable, and Windsor Police tweeted additional support in order to "support a peaceful resolution."
Toyota suspended production at 3 plants in Ontario, and production was halted at a Ford engine facility.
