Whitmer Calls On Canadian Officials To Reopen Ambassador Bridge

DETROIT — As the Ambassador Bridge remained closed Thursday morning for a fouth day due to Canadian protests against some of the country's COVID-19 restrictions, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called on Canadian authorities to resolve the protests and open the bridge.

"My message is simple: reopen traffic on the bridge," Whitmer said. "The blockade is having a significant impact on Michigan’s working families who are just trying to do their jobs. Our communities and automotive, manufacturing, and agriculture businesses are feeling the effects. It’s hitting paychecks and production lines. That is unacceptable."

Whitmer's statement comes after White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters during a Wednesday news conference that the shutdown could disrupt supply chains, especially the auto industry. Whitmer also acknowledged the backups on the bridge could hamper Michigan's economy.

"In Michigan, our economy continues to grow because of our hardworking people and innovative small businesses," Whitmer said. "Now, that momentum is at risk. Commercial traffic is at a standstill at the Ambassador Bridge and heavily backed up at the Blue Water Bridge."

Several Detroit auto plants have begun experiencing the effects of the delays, as Stellantis became the first automaker to temporarily halt production at its factory because it doesn’t have enough parts, according to an NBC News report. Ford and General Motors have also been affected by the delays in a similar way.

Although traffic began to flow more smoothly on the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron on Thursday morning, state officials said both exit ramps on Interstate 75 at the bridge were still closed in Detroit.

Windsor Police were able to keep one lane open on the bridge for traffic, in which a few trucks crossed the bridge on Wednesday, but protesters closed down that lane as well Thursday morning, according to a CNN News report.

There were between 50 to 75 vehicles and about 100 protesters blocking traffic at the international crossing, according to CBC News. On Wednesday, Windsor Police requested an additional 100 officers from Canadian officials to help with the protests.

"It is imperative that Canadian local, provincial, and national governments de-escalate this economic blockade," Whitmer said. "They must take all necessary and appropriate steps to immediately and safely reopen traffic, so we can continue growing our economy, supporting good-paying jobs, and lowering costs for families."

This article originally appeared on the Detroit Patch