The premier of Canada’s biggest province declared a state of emergency on Friday (Feb. 11), warning COVID-19 mandate protesters choking off traffic at a key U.S. border crossing and causing gridlock in Canada’s capital they face stiff punishment if they don’t leave.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, in a news conference alongside his solicitor general, said the government is enacting new powers to end the “illegal occupation,” including issuing fines of up to C$100,000 ($78,800) and jail time.
Ford called the situation “a pivotal moment for our nation” with the “the eyes of the world” watching how Canada and its leaders confront growing public unrest over COVID-19 restrictions.
The Ambassador Bridge from Windsor, Ontario into Detroit has been largely closed since Monday (Feb. 7) night.