Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency Friday in response to ongoing blockades in Ottawa and Windsor, Ontario, warning of “severe” consequences for protesters who don’t leave.
Ford said he will enact orders making it “crystal clear” that it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure, including international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways.
Fines for non-compliance will be up to $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment.
To truckers and supporters who have been blockading streets in Ottawa as well as the US border crossing in Windsor, Ford said “your right to make a political statement does not outweigh the right of hundreds of thousands of workers to earn their living.”
“It does not outweigh our right to get food across our borders. Your right to make a political statement does not outweigh the rights of one million people in Ottawa to live peacefully, free of harassment and chaos in their own homes.”
Renfrew Nipissing Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant has spoken out in support of the “Freedom Convoy,” saying she supports “all our local Ottawa Valley truckers, together with those from across Canada, and continue to support every Canadian’s right to peacefully and lawfully protest.”
Speaking in the House of Commons Monday, Gallant said it is time for the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “to heal the wounds they have inflicted upon Canadians.”
“The Prime Minister has led a campaign of hatred against those who do not agree with his edicts. He has called them unacceptable, misogynists and racist,” she said.
“Will the Prime Minister end his cruelty to Canadians who simply do not trust him? I ask him to end the mandates.”
Speaking for the Liberals, Government House Leader Mark Holland said “we should reflect on ‘end the mandates’ because, federally, the mandates that exist mean that, when people get onto an airplane, they have to be vaccinated to protect those around them.”
“That is rooted in irrefutable science,” Holland said.
“When we look at our ICUs and how full they are with the unvaccinated, I am confused why the member opposite would be against mandates and against making sure that people are protected in public safety.”
Holland said that “if we are talking about division, it seems playing games with science and not giving people clear information about public health is where the games are at.”
“I would encourage (Gallant) to instead advise everybody to get vaccinated and help get us out of this pandemic.”
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