Will Biden Continue to Ignore Canadian Truck Convoy?

Hundred of truckers in Ottawa, Canada have lined the streets for nearly 13 full days. The Canadian capital declared a state of emergency as the truckers’ presence paralyzes the center of the city and annoys residents. The convoy is protesting ongoing COVID restrictions.

However, the protest has now turned international. Late Monday night, truckers blockaded the Ambassador Bridge in both directions. It remains at a near standstill today. The bridge connects Windsor, Ontario with Detroit and serves as a major commercial link between the two countries. Typically, about $300 million worth of goods cross the bridge daily. Everything from food to medical supplies to auto parts come over the bridge, stretching supply chains that are already strained due to the pandemic.

“Such blockades will have serious implications on our economy and our supply chain,” Canadian transport minister Omar Alghabra said from Ottawa. “I’ve already heard from automakers and food grocers. This is really a serious cause for concern.”

CNN’s Paula Newton addressed the blockade to her colleague. “At this point, they are saying that, look, this is a fringe minority. And yet people here say that is not the case, that there is a significant minority.” She continued, “Kate, I will tell you this isn’t something the Biden administration can ignore, especially given those bridge crossings. There could be impacts on the supply chain between the United States and Canada.”

Despite that assertion, Press Secretary Jen Psaki had no comment from the administration when asked about the convoy blockade on Tuesday.

Let us know in the comments how you feel about the convoy, the coverage they’ve received, and what the Biden administration should do to address the blockade.