Canada’s public safety minister says he’s open to “working with” Windsor after the mayor announced the city is suing over expenses related to the 2022 Ambassador Bridge blockade.

Dominic LeBlanc was questioned about the issue in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

He did not directly address whether the government would provide additional compensation, but he did not rule it out either.

“I was happy a few months ago to have the opportunity to speak with the mayor of Windsor,” he said. “My colleagues on this side of the House have also been talking to me about what we can do to support the City of Windsor. And Mr. Speaker, we are always open to working with the City of Windsor. They have been a valued partner to our government “

The city announced Monday that it would sue for money it says it is owed to obtain a court order to remove protesters. A group called Freedom Convoy blocked the bridge for several days to protest COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Windsor West MP Brian Masse (NDP) pressed the government on the issue during Tuesday’s session. He accused liberals of taking the city for granted.

“Rather than forcing Windsor to fight in court, will this government reimburse the city and ultimately take responsibility for federal border costs, as it should?”

the federal government has contributed 6.1 million dollars to the city for expenses related to the February 2022 border protest over pandemic mandates.

However, the city and Ottawa are at odds over $900,491 in outstanding legal fees. The city says it spent $1.8 million on costs associated with obtaining a court order to remove protesters.

Windsor Liberal MP Irek Kusmierczyk, who represents Windsor-Tecumseh, said he fought to have 50 per cent of that city’s legal fees, which are not normally eligible for reimbursement, covered.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said Monday he believes the expenses are eligible. Dilkens says the lawsuit is about “justice and fairness” for Windsor taxpayers.

In addition to reimbursement, the city is also seeking a formal declaration of federal responsibility for policing and securing federal border crossings and compensation for ongoing expenses related to protecting Windsor’s international border crossings.

The city of Windsor is suing the federal government. here’s why

The city of Windsor has filed a lawsuit against the federal government. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says it’s because the federal government has not reimbursed them for all costs related to the Ambassador Bridge blockade, which took place in 2022. CBC’s Jennifer La Grassa explains.

Meanwhile, Kusmierczyk also points the finger at the province.

“The important thing here is that to date the provincial government has contributed exactly $0 to help defray the costs of the city of Windsor and its residents,” he said. “The question I have is, where is the premier, where is the provincial government on this, especially considering policing is 100 per cent the total responsibility of the provincial government?”

In a statement to CBC News, a spokesperson for the provincial government’s Attorney General’s Office said the OPP was sent to Windsor and the city was not charged.

“We support the city of Windsor and it is up to the federal government to step up and support with the outstanding costs,” the spokesperson said.