Ontario is now under a state of emergency in response to ongoing blockades in Ottawa and Windsor, Ont., which are wreaking havoc on the province’s industry and supply chains.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford in announcing the state of emergency said it will be used to enact orders making it “crystal clear” to protesters that they can’t be blocking and impeding the movement of goods and people along critical infrastructure and that doing so is punishable by law. Fines for non-compliance will be up to $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment. Personal and commercial licenses of anyone who doesn’t comply with these orders could also be taken away.
”We are in a critical situation worldwide economically. The last thing we need is an anchor around our neck while we are competing. These people need to leave immediately,” Ford said during a press conference this morning.
Ford said critical infrastructure that includes protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways.
