What Happened?
The Associated Press reported that a Canadian judge on Friday ordered protesters to end a five-day blockade between the U.S. and Canada that has slowed the auto production of both countries.
According to The New York Times, protesters have blocked roads on the U.S.-Canada border at four points: Windsor, Ontario; Sarnia, Ontario; Emerson, Manitoba; and Coutts, Alberta.
BBC reported the city of Windsor and the Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association filed the court order alleging that it was losing as much as $50 million each day due to the blockades.
The New York Times stated that despite the court order to clear the Ambassador Bridge, which links Windsor to Detroit, by Friday, protesters were still on the bridge in fewer numbers.
According to CNN, The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford issued a state of emergency on Friday delivering the following message: “So let me be as clear as I can, there will be consequences for these actions, and they will be severe. We’ve already started by going after the money funding the illegal occupation.”
CNN also reports that Canadian police Saturday morning began to attempt to clear protesters from the Ambassador Bridge. Windsor police later tweeted saying that protesters still in the area would be subject to arrest.
In Context
The New York Times stated that this is the third weekend of protests in Ottawa against the vaccine mandates for truck drivers crossing the U.S.-Canada border. However, these demonstrations have turned into a full-on protest against pandemic restrictions and Prime Minister Trudeau’s leadership.
According to CNN, Canada has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, with about four out of five Canadians fully vaccinated. Data from Johns Hopkins University also shows that almost 90% of the country’s truckers are vaccinated and eligible to cross the border.
The Washington Post reports that automakers such as Ford, GM, Honda, Chrysler and Toyota have experienced disruptions as a result of the protests.
The Latest
According to AP News, similar protests have arisen in France, New Zealand and the Netherlands with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warning that one may occur in the United States as well.
According to The New York Times, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is a “long way” from using the military against the protesters.
AP News reports that Ontario will lift its proof-of-vaccination requirements in two weeks. According to Ontario’s premier, this comes not due to the protests, but because it is “safe to do so.”
The Ambassador Bridge was open again Monday after police removed the remaining protestors who had blockaded the border crossing for nearly a week. Despite this, the protests in Ottowa persist as the authorities are unsuccessful in their efforts to reclaim the streets.
