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The “Freedom Convoy” protests in Canada, started by truckers who oppose a vaccination or quarantine mandate for cross-border drivers, have entered their 16th straight day of demonstrations. Despite the order of a Canadian judge to “end the blockade” this Saturday about 100 protesters continued on the Ambassador International Bridge.
Marking the fifth consecutive day in which dozens of trucks, cars and vans block traffic in both directions of the busiest land border crossing in North America, the police from early hours, peacefully and without disturbances, have managed to reduce a few dozen protesters from the ‘Freedom Convoy’.
“We ask all protesters to act lawfully and peacefully,” Windsor police said on social media, asking travelers to avoid areas affected by the demonstrations.
Officers in black uniforms and yellow vests moved behind the protesters’ vehicles and, accompanied by police patrols, inched toward the protesters, driving them back from the entrance to the Ambassador International Bridge.
The protesters cleared out in a noisy but peaceful retreat, taking down tents and barbeques.
“We are opening this crossing to traffic. If you don’t follow our instructions you will be arrested,” police told the crowd through a loudspeaker, as other officers handed out leaflets outlining the penalties provided for in Ontario’s emergency order that It entered into force at midnight this Saturday, February 12, which includes fines of 100,000 Canadian dollars and up to one year in prison for non-compliance.
Enforcement continuing, individuals who are located within the demonstration area are subject to arrest. People are advised to immediately vacate the area.
— Windsor Police (@WindsorPolice) February 12, 2022
United States pressure for economic losses
The Ford company, which is the second largest US automaker, said on Friday that it had temporarily halted work at its Ohio assembly plant due to production cuts due to a lack of necessary supplies that must transit through the land borders of both countries.
Other large companies such as General Motors and Toyota also announced new production cuts.
The three border crossings between the United States and Canada – the Ambassador Bridge, Alberta and Manitoba – that are now clogged, account for 33% of the two countries’ trade, valued at $616 million a day, Export Development Canada said.
Last Thursday, Washington put pressure on the Canadian government by asking it to use “federal powers” if necessary. And on Friday, in a call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; US President Joe Biden spoke of the “serious consequences” of the blockade for the US economy.
More than 25% of goods exported between the United States and Canada pass through the Ambassador Bridge, which links Michigan and Ontario.
Canadian police have said the protests have been funded in part by US supporters and Ontario has frozen funds donated through a US platform, GiveSendGo.
The ‘Freedom Convoy’ has been replicated in other countries
Canada’s protests have inspired other protesters in the United States, France, New Zealand and Australia.
In Paris, French police fired tear gas at protesters on the Champs-Elysees avenue on Saturday, shortly after a convoy carrying protesters against COVID-19 restrictions arrived in the capital.
In the United States, a convoy of cars announced that it was heading to the docks of Port Huron, Michigan, to show support for the demonstrations in Canada and other organized groups announced that they will meet for the remainder of the weekend at the Bridge of the Paz, another border crossing between the United States and Canada in Buffalo, New York.
With AP and Reuters