Ottawa, Ontario
The Ambassador Bridge is one of the most important border crossings in the world, and a vital coordinator for Canada's economy. Earlier this year, the illegal blockade of the bridge had a devastating effect on Canadians - causing layoffs, forcing plant closures and endangering our international reputation. Managing and clearing the blockade resulted in significant costs for the City of Windsor, and the federal government is committed to helping it address them.
The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, today announced that the Government of Canada will help the City of Windsor pay for the costs of addressing the blockade, with up to $6.9 million in federal funding in 2022-2023. These funds will assist with the extraordinary and significant expenses incurred by the city in their efforts to restore public safety at the bridge and the areas surrounding it.
The Ambassador Bridge is a trade corridor of national significance. It is the single busiest border crossing between Canada and the United States, handling some $400 million in trade every day - a total of over $140 billion annually. Last year, it accounted for over a quarter of Canada's exports and a third of imports by land. The Ambassador Bridge is a particular vital of the automotive sector, with thousands of jobs relying on it remaining open. Its closure posed severe risks to public safety, damaged Canada's economy and risked our reputation as a reliable trading partner.
