Feb. 10, 2:05 p.m. :Ambassador Bridge owner Moroun to Trudeau: Concede vaccine mandate or clear trucks at bridge blockade
Four days into a blockade that has brought international trade at the Ambassador Bridge to a grinding halt, Detroit International Bridge Co. Chairman Matthew Moroun thinks Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has three options:
- Trudeau can end Canada’s COVID vaccine mandate for truck drivers after the vast majority of them got inoculated against the virus
- He can order law enforcement agencies to start towing vehicles and arresting the protesters who have blocked access to the Moroun family-owned Ambassador Bridge,
- The third option, Moroun said, is to “do nothing and hope it goes away.”
–Crain’s Detroit Business
Feb. 10, 2:02 p.m.: Toyota operations impacted
In statement, Toyota said the Ambassador Bridge blockade has impacted operations at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.
“We expect disruptions through the weekend, and we’ll continue to make adjustments as needed,” the statement said. “While the situation is fluid and changes frequently, we do not anticipate any impact to employment at this time.”
Feb. 10, 1:17 p.m.: Trade associations say blockade straining auto supply chain
Industry groups representing the Detroit 3 automakers, suppliers and equipment manufacturers on Thursday urged the Biden administration to improve efforts to address the ongoing blockade at the Ambassador Bridge at the U.S.-Canada border.
Feb. 10, 12:52 p.m.: Windsor mayor says protesters could be removed by force
Reuters reports Drew Dilkens, mayor of Windsor, Ontario, has called the blockade illegal and asked protesters to return home. Police near the Ambassador Bridge have begun receiving additional manpower.
“(If) the protesters don’t leave, there will have to be a path forward. If that means physically removing them, that means physically removing them, and we’re prepared to do that,” Dilkens said.
Dilkens and Canadian auto industry officials will be holding a press conference at 2 pm ET to provide an update on the local response to the protests, disrupting U.S.-Canada trade along the Ambassador Bridge. Also present will be:
- Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association
- Brian Kingston, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association
- Rakesh Naidu, President & CEO, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce
Automotive News Canada journalists will cover the press conference. Live updates will be posted on the Automotive News Twitter account.
