Ontario declares state of emergency over ongoing trucker protests

The Canadian province of Ontario has declared a state of emergency due to ongoing protests against COVID-19 mandates. 

“I 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 service along critical infrastructure,” the province’s Premier Doug Ford said Friday, Reuters reported.

Ford added that protesters could face jail time and fines if they do not comply with the orders.

The “Freedom Convoy” demonstrations began as a protest against COVID-19 mandates and protocols affecting truck drivers and have since spread to cities around Canada, while also drawing a “significant element” from the U.S. They have disrupted three major border crossings between the U.S. and Canada.

In a series of tweets on Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the protests illegal, saying he’d had meetings with officials and that the government is prepared to help local authorities disperse the protests. 

“They’re harming the communities they’re taking place in – and they’re hurting jobs, businesses, and our country’s economy,” he said. 

The mayor of Canadian capital Ottawa also spoke out against the demonstrations on Thursday, warning that those participating in the protests blocking the city’s streets “could be arrested without a warrant.”

U.S. authorities have said the U.S. could see similar protests in the near future.