(Reuters) – The Canadian province of Ontario declared a state of emergency on Friday amid protests by truckers against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, a “freedom convoy” that notably paralyzed the capital Federal Ottawa, located in the province.
“I will convene the government to use our legal authority to urgently issue executive orders that will make it clear that it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services through critical infrastructure.” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Speaking to reporters, he assured that the Ontario authorities would take “all necessary measures” to ensure that the border with the United States is unblocked.
Doug Ford also promised that further legal action would be taken against violating protesters, including fines and possible jail time.
(Report Kanishka Singh, Ismail Shakil and Anna Mehler Papperny; French version Jean Terzian, edited by Sophie Louet)
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