Canadian police were stationed Saturday to clear out protesters who disrupted trade between Canada and the United States at a major border crossing, though several trucks were still blocking traffic.
Many protesters began to walk away as police closed in shortly after dawn. They spent the night at the busiest crossing between the United States and Canada despite fresh warnings from Canadian authorities to end the blockade that has disrupted the flow of goods between the two countries and forced the auto industry on both sides to cut back. their production.
With dozens of police surrounding his car, a man with “Trump 2024” and “Freedom Mandate” spray-painted on his vehicle drove off without offering any resistance. Other protesters began to dismantle a small camp covered with tarps.
Hours earlier, however, three large trucks and about 20 protesters remained blocking traffic and singing Canada’s national anthem.
Demonstrators are protesting against Canada’s mandates and restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. There is also an outburst of anger against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Windsor Police and their colleagues have begun enforcing the law on and around the Ambassador Bridge. We urge all protesters to act lawfully and peacefully. Travelers are still asked to avoid areas affected by the demonstrations at this time,” police tweeted.
A judge on Friday ordered protesters on the Ambassador Bridge over the US-Canada border to end the blockade, which entered a sixth day on Saturday.
On Friday, the Premier of the Canadian province of Ontario, Doug Ford, declared a state of emergency in response to the lockdowns. With Ford’s order, the provincial government will be in a position to impose $100,000 in fines and up to a year in jail against those who illegally impede the free flow of goods and people across highways, bridges, roads and other critical infrastructure.
Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz of the Ontario Superior Court issued an order for the protesters to leave as of 7 pm Friday. However, the deadline was met and nothing happened.
Windsor police immediately warned that anyone blocking streets could be arrested and their vehicles impounded.
The news was received defiantly by the protesters.
On the Ambassador Bridge, an unidentified person took a microphone and addressed them, asking if they wanted to stay or leave when the deadline was up. With a show of applause, it was agreed that they would stay. “Very well,” said the man. “Let’s stand firm.” Protesters responded by singing the Canadian national anthem.
The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest border crossing between the United States and Canada, handling 25% of all trade between the two countries. The lockdown comes at a time when the auto industry was already struggling to maintain production in the face of a microchip shortage and other supply chain disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Trudeau called Ontario’s decision “responsible and necessary” and said he had discussed it with US President Joe Biden. He said he and Biden agreed that “for the safety of people and the economy, these lockdowns cannot continue.”
Trudeau said he understands protesters are frustrated by the pandemic, but added that “these lockdowns are hurting ordinary families, auto assembly plant workers, farmers, truckers and Canadian blue collar workers.”
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