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Ontario declares state of emergency over truck blockades in Canada

Published:Friday | February 11, 2022 | 12:18 PM
People block highway 75 with heavy trucks and farm equipment and access to the Canada-United States border crossing at Emerson, Manitoba, Thursday, February 10, 2022. The blockade was set up to rally against provincial and federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates and in support of Ottawa protestors. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP)

TORONTO (AP) — Ontario's premier declared a state of emergency Friday in reaction to the truck blockades in Ottawa and at the United States border and said he will urgently enact laws to crack down on those who interfere with the free flow of goods and people.

Since Monday, scores of drivers protesting Canada's COVID-19 restrictions and venting their rage against liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have bottled up the Ambassador Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, disrupting the auto industry on both sides of the border. And hundreds more truckers have paralysed downtown Ottawa over the past two weeks.

Premier Doug Ford said he will convene the provincial cabinet on Saturday to enact orders that make it “crystal clear” it is illegal to block critical infrastructure.

“Let me be as clear as I can — there will be consequences for these actions, and they will be severe,” he said.

“This is a pivotal, pivotal moment for our nation.”

Ford said violators will face up to a year in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. The orders will also provide additional authority “to consider taking away the personal and commercial licenses of anyone who doesn't comply,” according to his office.

Separately, the mayor of Windsor planned to ask for an injunction Friday afternoon to try to break up the bridge blockade, as parts shortages caused by the protest forced Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Honda to close auto plants or cancel shifts.

Federal, provincial and local authorities have hesitated to forcibly remove the self-proclaimed Freedom Convoy protesters there and elsewhere around the country, reflecting apparently a lack of manpower by local police, Canada's reverence for free speech, and fear of violence.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens warned earlier this week that some of the truckers are “willing to die.”

But the political pressure to reopen the bridge appeared to be mounting along with the economic toll.

The Biden administration has urged Trudeau's government to use its federal powers to end the blockade, and Michigan's governor likewise called for a quick resolution to the standoff.

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