Police in Windsor, Ont., cleared protesters at the Ambassador Bridge on Sunday, allowing the bridge to re-open and clearing the way for hundreds of millions of dollars in daily cross-border trade to resume. But industry groups are concerned the nearly week-long blockade has damaged Canada’s reputation with international investors, especially as a separate demonstration in Coutts, Alta., continues to disrupt the flow of goods to and from the United States.
The protest at the crucial border crossing that connects Windsor and Detroit has severely affected Canada-U.S. trade, forcing auto makers on both sides of the border to temporarily stop production and send workers home in some cases. Food producers, meanwhile, face the prospect of perishable items spoiling as shipments are not able to be delivered.
The blockade at Windsor has already cost the auto sector about $1-billion, estimates Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association. What’s potentially more worrying is that the demonstration and the response from police and government to resolve it could jeopardize future investment in the country’s auto sector.
“This is absolutely the worst time in the last 50 years to be pointing out to international investors that Canada’s access to the U.S. market is not guaranteed,” Mr. Volpe said.
Automakers are investing heavily in production of electric vehicles and several large companies are looking to establish battery manufacturing plants in North America. The uncertainty and disruption caused by the border blockades could give investors pause when considering new business in Canada, Mr. Volpe said. “There’s a chance that we’re further down the priority list today,” he said.
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