Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Friday declared a state of emergency in response to the ongoing Ambassador Bridge blockade and protests in Ottawa against coronavirus restrictions.

FAST FACTS

  • A growing number of Canadian provinces have moved to lift some of their precautions as the omicron surge levels off.
  • About 90% of truckers in Canada are vaccinated, and trucker associations and many big-rig operators have denounced the protests.

Doug Ford: Protesting truckers could lose their licenses

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Friday that truckers could lose their licenses if they don’t comply with orders being enacted under a newly-announced state of emergency aimed at breaking up the demonstrations.

“We will… provide additional authority to consider taking away the personal and commercial licenses of anyone who doesn’t comply with these orders,” he said as the Ambassador Bridge blockade is in the midst of its fifth straight day.

“While these emergency orders will be temporary, we have every intention to bring new legislation forward that will make these measures permanent in law,” he added. “We are taking these steps necessary to support our police as they do what it takes to restore law and order.”

Ontario leader Doug Ford declares state of emergency over trucker protests

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Friday declared a state of emergency in response to the ongoing Ambassador Bridge blockade and protests in Ottawaagainst coronavirus restrictions.

Speaking at a news conference, Ford said he will “convene Cabinet to use legal authorities to urgently enact orders that will make crystal clear it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure.”

“This will include protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways,” he continued, adding that “fines for non-compliance will be severe, with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment.”

Ford earlier said “this virus forced us to make unthinkable sacrifices. And I know that this has been extremely difficult watching businesses close, livelihoods lost, freedoms restricted.

“None of this has been easy. People are frustrated, they are scared, they are angry and I know these frustrations have reached a boiling point for many Canadians,” he continued. “The result is what we are now seeing in various cities across our province and our country.”

“My message to those still in Ottawa, to those at our border crossings, please go home,” he added.

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