Minister thanks Masse for flagging hazardous materials transport

Canada's federal transport minister has personally thanked Windsor West MP Brian Masse for bringing to his attention the possibility of hazardous materials being trucked across the Ambassador Bridge.

In a recent letter to Masse, Marc Garneau said Transport Canada officials met with the governor of Michigan's office on Dec. 24 — the day after receiving correspondence from Masse — to discuss the issue and what's been happening recently in the Michigan state legislature.

“We will continue to engage with the governor's office to stay apprised of any new developments,” Garneau promised, describing the matter as “serious and important” to him.

Earlier this year, the owners of the Ambassador Bridge renewed efforts to push the state's transportation department to allow movement of hazardous materials — such as flammable, corrosive, radioactive, or explosive substances — on the bridge.

State law has banned transport of such materials on the Ambassador Bridge since 1929.

Previous requests by the bridge company to lift the ban have been rejected on the basis of the lack of dedicated safety equipment on the Ambassador Bridge, the narrowness of its lanes, and the age of its structure.

Masse has expressed alarm that a recent COVID-19 relief bill in the Michigan state senate included a provision on allowing certain hazardous materials on the bridge.

Garneau wrote that he shares Masse's concerns regarding the safety and security of dangerous goods on the Ambassador Bridge.

“As such, I have directed Transport Canada officials to prioritize their analysis of this issue with the goal of determining the consequences that any potential lifting of prohibitions on the American side would have on the Canadian transportation system, and to identify options to mitigate any safety or security risks,” Garneau wrote.

On Dec. 24, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens tweeted that he recently spoke with Ontario Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney about the same issue.

“Federal government needs to pay attention to what's going on in Lansing and show leadership,” Dilkens wrote.

“Hazardous waste does not belong on the Ambassador Bridge.”