While local businesses hurt economically by the illegal blockade of the Ambassador Bridge still wait to hear about compensation, the MP for Windsor West didn't get much in the way of an answer during Question Period on Tuesday.
Brian Masse pointed out the federal government had the money for Ottawa businesses after the three-week occupation in that city, but local shops and restaurants are still in the cold.
He's not the only one that has been pushing for some payback. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has been lobbying the province and federal government for that, on top of policing costs for the protest that ended on February 12 after one week.
(Photo by Adelle Loiselle)
"For months, I've joined residents, doctors, retailers, manufacturers, first responders, and the city asking for fair compensation for doing the right thing," said Masse during Tuesday's session in the House of Commons.
He said Windsor's response became a model for handling illegal blockades after Canada's busiest border crossing shut down for a week. By its end, police seized 37 vehicles and charged 46 people. There were no injuries.
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino acknowledged the hardship but offered Masse offered no commitment in his response.
"Me and other colleagues within this government will remain in touch with my colleague [Masse] to ensure Windsor recovers fully from any impacts," said Mendicino. "I know this is work that will continue going forward."
The City of Windsor estimates policing costs during the protest and the following weeks were $5.7-million. However, economic losses could be in the billions.
(Photo by Adelle Loiselle)
So far, the city is still waiting to hear if it'll get money back for the policing operation, which involved thousands of municipal, OPP, and RCMP officers from across the country.
The Ontario government tabled legislation last week to ensure a repeat of the protest in Windsor doesn't happen. The Keeping Ontario Open for Business Act would allow police to suspend the driver's licenses and vehicle permits of those who disrupt border traffic and remove blockades.
