Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency Friday in the Canadian province while asking protesters angry over COVID-19 restrictions to “go home” and end their blockades.
Ford gave a stern warning to protesters in Ottawa and at the Ambassador Bridge, saying he would press for new legislation Saturday to crack down on their demonstrations against COVID-19 restrictions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“We’re now two weeks into the siege of the city of Ottawa,” Ford said at a press conference. “I call it a siege because that’s what it is. It’s an illegal occupation.”
Protesters typically “make their point” and then head back home, but those who remained in Ottawa and at the bridge linking Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, were illegally disrupting the nation’s economy, Ford said.
Parked trucks and cars line downtown Ottawa, Canada, as demonstrators continue to protest vaccine mandates on Feb. 11, 2022. AFP via Getty Images
Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency on Feb. 11, 2022, in the Canadian province while asking protesters angry over COVID-19 restrictions to “go home.” @fordnation/Twitter
Parked trucks line Wellington Street as demonstrators continue to protest vaccine mandates on Feb. 11, 2022, in Ottawa, Canada. AFP via Getty Images
“My message to those still in Ottawa, to those at our border crossings: Please go home,” Ford continued. “To those of you who have brought your children, please take them home. I urge you, it’s time to leave.”
Ford told protesters who decide to keep taking Ottawa “hostage,” as they have for the past two weeks, that consequences would be severe.
“Your right to make a political statement does not outweigh the right of thousands of workers to make a living,” Ford said, adding that violators will face severe consequences for impeding the movement of goods and services at border crossings.
Fines of up to $100,000 and jail sentences up to one year will be doled out to people who block critical infrastructure. EPA
Dozens of truck drivers and their supporters participate in a “Jericho March” around Parliament Hill. Getty Images
Protesters prepare food at a make shift kitchen as demonstrators continue to demonstrate against Covid-19 mandates. AFP via Getty ImagesFines of up to $100,000 and jail sentences up to one year will be doled out to people who block critical infrastructure. Truck drivers may also lose their commercial licenses, Ford said.
“And please, my friends, make no mistake: This is a pivotal movement for our nation,” Ford said. “The eyes of the world are upon us right now and what they are seeing is not who we are.”
Speaking directly to the protesters, Ford said: “We’ve heard you, and it’s time to go.”
Protesters typically “make their point” and then head back home, but those who remained in Ottawa and at the bridge linking Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, were illegally disrupting the nation’s economy, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said. EPA
Ford declared a state of emergency Friday and asked protesters to “go home.” Getty Images
“We’re now two weeks into the siege of the city of Ottawa,” Ford said at a press conference. “I call it a siege because that’s what it is. It’s an illegal occupation.” APThe protests in Ottawa — which have since spread around the globe — are entering their third weekend, as Ford has faced widespread criticism for not doing more to stop them earlier, CBC reported.
Ford said Friday Ontario was “on track” to remove almost all COVID-19 restrictions as part of a reopening plan while working toward rescinding Canada’s passport system.
