Windsor politician wants border security investigation

WINDSOR, Ont. — Windsor MP Brian Masse is demanding an immediate investigation of the transport of hazardous materials through the Windsor-Detroit border region.

In a letter to the Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day, Masse stated, “The transport of hazardous materials and their exit and entry in the Windsor-Detroit Border Region… is a concern…our community-country faces on a daily basis due to the lack of governance, oversight and the dependence on the business interests of private operators,” he wrote.

Last week, the Detroit media reported that Customs inspectors were allegedly being pressured to wave truck traffic through the border without inspection if traffic began to back-up at border crossings during peak times.

“Should an accident occur it will have grave consequences to people, the environment, and trade,” Masse wrote. He is calling upon the Minister to initiate an investigation immediately to ensure risks are determined, and best practices can be implemented.

“Any rogue condition present or perceived will have determinate consequences in the location of future investment decisions, and undermine public confidence in their government’s ability to ensure basic safety,” Masse argues.