A state of emergency was declared in Ontario on Friday, February 11, 2022, regarding the blockades taking place in Ottawa and Windsor.
Premier Doug Ford was joined by Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, Attorney General Doug Downey and Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, for the announcement.
“Today, I am using my authority as Premier of Ontario to declare a state of emergency in our province,” the Premier tweeted.
“We must come together as Canadians. We must heal the divide that is fracturing our society. To the protestors: It’s time to end these occupations and go home.”
Ford added: “What we’re seeing in Ottawa and at our border crossing in Windsor is no longer a protest. With a protest, you peacefully make your point and you go back home. It’s time to end these occupations and it’s time to do so peacefully. This is a pivotal moment for our province. The right to protest does not outweigh the right to get food, fuel and goods across our border. That’s why we are ensuring our police have the tools and powers to resolve this situation and restore order.”
Watch the full announcement and press conference, below:
Also on Friday, the Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice, Geoffrey B. Morawetz, made an order prohibiting impeding or blocking access to the Ambassador Bridge, an international bridge in Windsor, Ontario connecting Canada to the United States.
Provincial officials say the order is binding on all persons who have notice of it.
It took effect at 7 p.m., February 11, 2022, and remains in effect for 10 days, Provincial officials added.
The order was granted at the request of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association and with the support of the Corporation of the City of Windsor.
The Attorney General of Ontario, Doug Downey, intervened in the court case and expressed his support for the granting of the order.
The order authorizes the police to use powers of arrest and seizure to enforce it, but specifies that the police retain discretion as to the timing and manner of enforcement.
Windsor Police Service officials said this morning that they and its policing partners have commenced enforcement at and near the Ambassador Bridge.
Windsor Police officials added they urge all demonstrators to act lawfully and peacefully.
Commuters were still being asked to avoid the areas affected by the demonstrations at this time, Windsor Police officials said in a tweet at 8:18 a.m. on Saturday.
“The Windsor Police Service wants to make demonstrators clearly aware that it is a criminal offence to obstruct, interrupt or interfere with the lawful use, enjoyment, or operation of property,” Windsor Police officials stated on Friday.
“The offence itself is known as mischief to property. The unlawful act of blocking streets at and near the Ambassador Bridge is resulting in people being denied the lawful use, enjoyment and operation of their property and causing businesses to close down.”
Windsor Police officials added: “We are providing notice that anyone blocking streets or assisting others in the blocking of streets may be committing a criminal offence and must immediately cease further unlawful activity or you may face charges. You could be arrested if you are a party to the offence or assisting others in the direct or indirect commission of this offence.”
Vehicles or other property related to an offence may be seized, Windsor Police said.
“Once a vehicle is seized, it may be detained and, following a conviction, possibly forfeited,” Windsor Police officials added.
“Charges and/or convictions related to the unlawful activity associated with the demonstration may lead to denial in crossing the USA border.”
