Lessons learned: Local politicians, businesses reflect on one year anniversary of Ambassador Bridge blockade
One year ago, all eyes were on the city of Windsor, Ont. as protestors opposing COVID-19 restrictions shut down the busiest international border crossing.
Despite a court injunction, protestors held their ground for six days. The Ambassador Bridge blockade halted an estimated nearly $4 billion in trade activity.
“We started to see plant closures because goods couldn't get through in Ontario, in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, as far away as an auto plant in Kentucky,” said Flavio Volpe, president of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association.
On a local scale, Volpe said many local auto workers were on temporary lay off.
“I remember thinking how crazy this was. That these were Windsorites doing to their own friends and neighbours,” said Volpe.
Since the blockade, Volpe has been working to rebuild Canada’s reputation as a reliable trade partner.
At a recent auto industry event, Volpe said many automakers questioned him about the risk of doing business with Canadian companies.
“We have to spend a lot of our time explaining to people how we fixed it, closed the door and how we're mitigating it for the future,” Volpe explained. “This gives us less opportunity to actually talk about the talent in our city.”
Dozens of businesses in west Windsor impacted by the Ambassador Bridge blockade have now received federal relief funding totaling nearly $505,000.
Fred’s Farm Fresh received $10,000, the maximum amount.
“It did help but we probably lost that amount just on the roses we had purchased. We have to order our Valentine’s Day roses at least a month ahead of time,” said owner Fred Bouzide.
Ontario has since passed Bill 100, Keeping Ontario Open for Business Act, to prevent this type of disruption from happening again.
“It’s very clear that if you block a major piece of infrastructure, the fine starts at $100,000 and the action is immediate now,” said Volpe.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is also confident the legislation in place will prevent a future blockade.
“I think the existing legislation actually has enough teeth now to send a sharp signal to anyone thinking about doing this again, that they shouldn’t, because the consequences are too high,” said Dilkens.
One local politician believes there was one positive that came from the blockade. NDP MP Brian Masse said upper levels of government now understand how important it is to secure our border.
“I’ve been pushing for permanent funding for the creation of a border authority to manage traffic internationally,” said Masse.
He believes we need a strategic plan for a variety of potential border disruptions.
“Borders should be as a planned operation. We shouldn't be winging it every day. That's kind of still what we're doing, we're winging it every day,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.