Premier Doug Ford has declared a state of emergency in Ontario as ongoing anti-Covid mandate blockades approaching the Ambassador Bridge between Windsor and Detroit enter their fifth day, and the occupation of downtown Ottawa continues two weeks after the first convoy protesters arrived in the nation’s capital.
Ford says he will convene cabinet and urgently enact clear emergency orders that will make it illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure. The Premier says 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,” Ford says. “Fines for non-compliance will be severe, with a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to one year imprisonment.”
You can listen to Ford’s full address from Queen’s Park Friday morning below.