Feds say they can't do anything to stop hazardous materials from crossing the Ambassador Bridge

A Windsor West MP stood in the House of Commons Friday to make sure decision makers know his concerns with hazardous materials crossing the Ambassador Bridge. 

Brian Masse, a Windsor NDP MP, says the federal government should step in, despite the federal government saying it has no control over the matter. 

At issue is a decision by the Michigan government to allow certain types of hazardous goods including flammable liquids and corrosive materials to be transported across the bridge starting Tuesday. 

"We know the border officers won't even get the proper training they need to deal with the eventual disasters that will occur," Masse said in the House of Commons. "Instead of detailed in-person courses to go over what to do in the case of disasters, they are learning from two slides in an online slideshow."

Masse says he's concerned about the safety of Windsor's streets in the event of a spill on the bridge. When the Gordie Howe International Bridge opens next year, it will be equipped to handle hazardous materials. 

Touring the bridge Friday, Steven MacKinnon, federal labour minister, echoed the government's position that it can't do anything about what is transported over the nearby Ambassador Bridge.

"We regulate how materials are meant to be transported safely. provinces, in some cases municipalities, in this case, provinces and states are responsible for that," he said, referring the matter to the provincial government. 

"Those standards for transporting materials are indeed federal standards and they're vigorously applied. Where that transport can go is up to local authorities, provinces and states."

But Masse called the claim "outlandish."

Previously, the province has told CBC News it does not have jurisdiction over the bridge.