US Truck Protesters Blocking Border Forced to Disband After 3 Weeks... Bridge to Open Soon

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Canadian truck protest, which began in opposition to the government's mandate for COVID-19 vaccinations, was forcibly dispersed by police on the 13th (local time) after three weeks. As the economic damage to both the United States and Canada grew larger, authorities took active measures to resolve the situation.

According to AP News and others, Windsor police in Ontario, Canada, dispersed the truck protesters occupying the Ambassador Bridge, a passage to the United States, arresting about 20 people on the spot and towing seven vehicles present at the scene. Although many vehicles, including pickup trucks that had blocked the bridge, moved after police persuaded the protesters the day before, some protesters remained, leading to the dispersal. About 100 police officers were deployed to surround the protesters, and foreign media reported that the dispersal was carried out relatively peacefully without excessive use of force.

Drew Dilkens, mayor of Windsor, said, "The national economic crisis at the Ambassador Bridge ended today," adding, "The border reopening will resume after safety is confirmed, with police and border offices deciding on this." The U.S. White House also stated, "After Canadian authorities complete the necessary safety inspections, the Ambassador Bridge will be reopened today." However, AP reported that the bridge remains closed due to a blizzard in the area, and Windsor police have not yet announced a reopening schedule.

The Canadian truck protest began in opposition to the government's vaccine mandate and had continued for three weeks. After blocking roads in downtown Ottawa to start the protest, the protesters blocked the Ambassador Bridge connecting Canada and the United States with various vehicles, causing economic damage. The Ambassador Bridge, connecting Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and Detroit, USA, handles 25% of trade volume between the two countries.

In particular, General Motors (GM), Toyota Motor Corporation, and Ford Motor Company faced difficulties in parts procurement, leading to factory shutdowns. The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) analyzed that the protest caused economic damage amounting to 500 million Canadian dollars (approximately 470 billion Korean won) daily in Canada.

The Canadian truck protest has spread to other countries such as France, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, strengthening voices against mandatory vaccination.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.