The ongoing protests in Canada against coronavirus vaccine mandates are not slowing down, with truckers in the so-called Freedom Convoy blocking roads and calling for an end to COVID-19 mitigation measures.
On Thursday, truckers and others opposed to vaccine mandates and similar public health policies blocked access to three United States-Canada border crossings -- those in Michigan, North Dakota, and Montana.
As reported by The Guardian, the protests and blockades have slowed the movement of goods and caused a number of production issues.
Both General Motors and Chrysler had to cancel or reduce shifts due to shortages. Toyota, meanwhile, announced that production at its plants in Ontario and Kentucky will be suspended at least until Saturday.
Ford, on the other hand, is allegedly considering flying in certain auto parts to its plant in Windsor -- the plant produces engines for several popular models.
A fourth border crossing might be blocked as well.
Some U.S.-based truckers have vowed to support their Canadian colleagues, suggesting they could send two convoys to the border crossing that connects Buffalo, New York, and Fort Erie, Ontario this weekend.
At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security is making preparations to ensure the upcoming Freedom Convoy event in Washington, D.C. "does not disrupt lawful trade and transportation or interfere with federal government and law enforcement operations and emergency service."
Top officials in the Biden administration are urging the Canadian government to act and crack down on the protests.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg both strongly urged their Canadian counterparts to "use federal powers to resolve this situation at our joint border."
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in response that he is working to end the blockades, because they hurt "regular Canadians whether it’s grocery store prices, whether it’s jobs lost or suspended, whether it’s supply chains disrupted."
Despite intense pressure and threats from the Canadian government, the protesters are not backing down.
"I want all these mandates gone, and I'm not leaving until all the mandates are gone. So, I am here for the long haul. They can try get rid of us, but we're not leaving," Ottawa protester Dylan Friesen told CNN.
Quebec protester Samuel Gauthier, who is unvaccinated, said he supports the truckers because the mandates have made it impossible for him to access businesses.
"I can't go skiing, I can't go to Walmart, I can't go to Canadian tire, I can't go to Home Depot, I can't go to restaurants, I can't go to bars, I can't go to the gym," he said.
