Windsor West MP Brian Masse had hoped to have an emergency debate in the House of Commons about allowing hazardous materials to cross the Ambassador Bridge.
He wrote a letter to House Speaker Greg Fergus, but his request was rejected.
"It was a difficult thing to do," said Masse. "It's really a national debate and getting a national debate is really hard. Our border not only affects our environment locally and our economy locally but all of Canada."
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. The Ambassador Bridge can start accepting trucks carrying hazardous materials on October 29.
Masse said the ball is still in the federal government's court. It can still act to stop shipments from going ahead by issuing an order in council.
"Political will is what's necessary. Sadly, we haven't seen that result," added Masse.
The State of Michigan approved the bridge's submission months ago, and Masse has asked the federal government to intervene for months. The City of Windsor objected. So did Masse, but the federal and provincial governments didn't make a submission and haven't acted since.
"The State of Michigan has sovereignty over Windsor, Ontario, and Canada, and there seems to be compliance by Premier Doug Ford and Justin Trudeau to allow that," said Masse.
Masse insists it's a matter of public safety.
While the trucks carrying hazardous materials will get an escort over the bridge, there will be no escort through the City of Windsor. He fears local taxpayers will be stuck with the bill if there's an accident or a leak.
Masse says it's our health that's at risk.
"It's horrible because we have to plan for the worst and pay for the worst. There's no avoiding that. We can't just pretend that nothing will ever happen," he said.