Biden Urges Trudeau To Immediately End Anti-Covid-19 Prohibition

US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

JAKARTA - US President Joe Biden communicated with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and urged that demonstrations against COVID-19 restrictions in Canada end immediately. The demonstration blocked the Ambassador Bridge, a bridge that is the main route for US-Canada trade.

President Biden during a telephone conversation with Trudeau expressed concern over factory closures and slowing auto production, the White House said in a statement. "The two leaders agreed that individual actions that disrupt travel and trade between our two countries have a significant direct impact on people's lives and livelihoods. "The Prime Minister promised swift action to enforce the law, and the President is grateful for the steps taken by him and the Canadian government to restore bridge routes to the United States," the statement said. Trudeau told reporters. he agreed with Biden that the blockade could not continue. "Anything is still possible because this unlawful activity must end and it will end," Trudeau said.

Biden's government has urged Canada to use federal powers to overcome the blockade of the Ambassador Bridge, a step the Trudeau administration has not taken. Trudeau said Friday his government is not seriously considering deploying the military to deal with the protests. dispersed demonstrators, plans to increase pressure on Friday with a fine of 100,000 Canadian dollars (Rp 1.1 billion) and up to a year in prison for dissidents. Ontario leader Doug Ford said protesters must clearly understand that blockades and disrupts the delivery of goods, people and services is a violation of the law and can be punished. Windsor police issued an arrest warning against the COVID-19 demonstrator, but it is not yet clear whether authorities will actually impose a fine or punishment and when that action will take place.