The automotive industry in Canada is very integrated with the American industry, as $50 million worth of auto parts cross the Ambassador Bridge every day, and about $50 million come back in the other direction. The blockade stopped carmaker plants in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and further afield in Tennessee.
At this time, Canada is currently negotiating with the United States on its electrification plan and where those federal investments and the critical mineral assets are sourced from. The blockade event at the bridge highlighted to American lawmakers that they are vulnerable to an interruption. Because of that, we are now debating publicly with Michigan-based lawmakers who introduced an original EV tax-credit plan that was to be “America only”, and the blockade has given them fuel for their arguments.
The industry that I represent is 120 years old in this country and it has built a continental spine that does not operate with the border as a risk. It is now part of that discussion.