Ford Declares State of Emergency in Ontario

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, has declared a state of emergency in the province of Ontario over the occupations that are taking place in Windsor at the Ambassador Bridge, and in the nations capital of Ottawa.

Truckers will now face up to a $100,000 fine, a potential year in jail, and according to Ford, "We will also provide additional authority to consider taking away the personal and commercial licenses of anyone who doesn't comply with these orders."

Ford said that he will convene cabinet to, "use legal authorities to urgently enact orders that will make crystal clear it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure."

According to the Premier, critical infrastructure includes international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways.

"It will also include protecting the safe and essential movement of ambulatory and medical services, public transit, municipal and provincial roadways, as well as pedestrian walkways," Ford said.

This comes on day 13 of the ongoing escalation in Ottawa, and has seen a blockade at one of the busiest crossings in Canada the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor.

News reports have said that prior to todays announcement, one lane had reopened at the Ambassador Bridge.

Ford said, "It was time to go home." According to Ford the ongoing occupation at the crossing in Windsor has caused multi-million dollars in losses to the economy, "We are competing against the rest of the world, and the last thing we need is an anchor around our neck while we are competing.

"These (protestors) need to ensure they leave the ambassador bridge immediately. For the sake of 100,0000 of workers and families that depend on a paycheque going into the factories and auto plants," Ford added.

Attorney General of Ontario said that his measure will be in place for 42 hours.

Sylvia Jones, the Solicitor General of Ontario said that the initial measures will be in place for 42 hours, and then cabinet will meet, "We will be going over further amendments and you will see in the spring session that we will begin to deal with some of these safety problems."

As to if this new measure doesn't affect the ongoing occupations, Ford says, "I support the police and believe that they will get the job done."

Attorney General of Ontario said that his measure will be in place for 42 hours.