Ontario declares state of emergency amid Covid-19 protests
Vaccine mandate protests in Canada: Amid intense protests against public health measures meant to curb the spread of Covid-19, Ontario declared a state of emergency on Friday.
The ongoing trucker protests have caused major disruptions in multiple areas of the province in recent weeks.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement while protest sieges continued to shut down parts of Ottawa's city core and several portions of Windsor's Ambassador Bridge.
"I 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 service along with critical infrastructure," Ford stated in a media conference.
Ford also promised further legal action against protesters, including fines and potential prison time for violating government orders.
Late Friday, Ford signed the state of emergency order and it now has 72 hours to be ratified by the cabinet. It will be in effect for 14 days.
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Meanwhile, more protests are anticipated in downtown Toronto's Queen's Park, causing police to restrict multiple roads in the region.
Ford said at a news conference on Friday that he will call a cabinet meeting and "urgently enact orders that will make crystal clear that blocking and impeding the movement of goods, people and services along key infrastructure is illegal and punishable."
"This will include protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways. It will also include protecting the safe and essential movement of ambulatory and medical services, public transit, municipal and provincial roadways, as well as pedestrian walkways," he added.
Ford further added, "Fines for non-compliance will be severe, with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment. We will also provide additional authority to consider taking away the personal and commercial licences of anyone who doesn't comply with these orders."
Calling the blockade of the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont. a “siege” and an “illegal occupation,” Ford stated that he supported the right to protest but this was harming an economic “lifeline” for the province.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that "everything is on the table" in order to end the blockades. This comes after a discussion with President Joe Biden on the blockades. The White House has sought Ottawa's assistance in resolving the crisis.
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-PTC News
