Ontario Premier Doug Ford declares a state of emergency in Ontario in response to 'siege' and 'illegal occupation'
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency on Friday in response to the "siege" and "illegal occupation" of Ottawa, and in Windsor.
I call it a siege because that's what it is, it’s an illegal occupation.Ontario Premier Doug Ford
The Ontario premier will convene cabinet to enact orders that will make it "crystal clear" that is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure. This includes protecting international border crossings, 400-series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways, in addition to the movement of ambulances, medical services, public transit, and movement on municipal and provincial roadways and pedestrian walkways.
Fines for noncompliance will be a maximum financial penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment. The province will also provide additional authority to consider taking personal and commercial licenses away from those who do not comply.
"My message to those still in Ottawa, to those at our border crossings, please go home," Ford said. "To those of you who brought your children, please take them home."
Kids as human shields in Windsor. Right now... pic.twitter.com/bRUdXK9qzK
— Dean Blundell (@ItsDeanBlundell) February 10, 2022
"I urge you, it’s time to leave, and it’s time to do so peacefully."
The premier stressed that people blocking the Ambassador Bridge need to leave "immediately" for the sake of workers and families who "depend on a paycheque, going into these factories, going into these auto plants, making sure food gets distributed up here."
Some people took to social media to respond to Ford's latest statement on the occupations in Ottawa and Windsor.
The biggie! Taking away licenses of truckers… Doug Ford pic.twitter.com/Di9E4eNrY7
— Michael B Murphy QC (@monctonSJlawyer) February 11, 2022
If this action is illegal and punishable, why did Doug Ford wait for 5 days to declare the State of Emergency? Knowing the effect blocking the borders would have, why didn’t he nip it in the bud? #onpoli #VoteFordOut
— Leslie Maggie (@LeslieMaggie) February 11, 2022
God help me but Doug Ford is talking sense. And doing so impressively. Wish it had been said days ago by all levels of government. Rule of law over mob rule. #onpoli
— Scott Reid (@_scottreid) February 11, 2022
Canadians have also been taking to social media, including Kim's Convenience star Jean Yoon, to call on the demonstrators to "go home" and supporting individuals, including truckers, who have done their part to get vaccinated.
I am Canadian and I am triple vaxxed. For my family, my neighbours, my co-workers, our healthcare workers, for my country. I will not be bullied. #IAMCANADIAN #IamVaxxed #convoygohome pic.twitter.com/cAq62cAM7n
— Jean Yoon (윤 진 희 or 尹真姬) (@jean_yoon) February 11, 2022
Following @jean_yoon ✊🏾
We are Canadian and Both triple vaxxed. Kids are double vaxxed! For our family, our neighbours, our co-workers, our healthcare workers ❤️ Sab, for our country. There’s four of us and we will not be bullied. #IAMCANADIAN #IamVaxxed #convoygohome pic.twitter.com/5fFWOgI3qg— Lanrick Bennett Jr. (@LanrickBennett) February 11, 2022
#IAMCANADIAN #Clownvoy #GoHomeTruckers #FluTruxKlanGoHome I am Canadian. I am triple vaxxed, wear a mask and care about my fellow Canadians, especially those vulnerable around me. pic.twitter.com/ED5dfQ43ZQ
— ǝʎǝsʇɐʞ (@NBeesax) February 11, 2022
I am Canadian. I am a Raging Grannie. I am 3x vaxxed for my family, my friends, my co-workers, our health care workers, for MY country. I will not be bullied. #IAMCANADIAN #IamVaxxed #ConvoyGoHome https://t.co/BK4v7b2iyX pic.twitter.com/H1JDlNCLjD
— raging_grannie (@raging_grannie) February 11, 2022
For the rest of the world watching protests in Canada. Please know that 90% of Canadians think these protesters are complete morons. They do not speak for the majority of this country.
— Michele (@MicheleinNZ) February 10, 2022
Convoy, you don't represent me or the 90% of Canadians who are vaxxed. Stop waving the Canadian flag as you are tarnishing its reputation both within Canada and across the world. pic.twitter.com/nW1prR700K
— Fiona 🇨🇦🏴 (@Finarda) February 11, 2022