The Ontario government has invoked new emergency measures by declaring a state of emergency aimed at protesters and ending the blockade at a key border crossing in the province.
Ont. Premier Doug Ford announced the measures Friday, saying they will be used to levy stiffer fines and penalties on protesters, including a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment for non-compliance.
Ford said the provincial government will provide additional authority to revoke the personal and commercial licences of anyone who doesn’t comply with the new orders.
Ford said demonstrations in Ontario are no longer a protest, but rather a “siege,” and said there will be “severe” consequences for those involved. He urged those halting trucks from crossing the border to “go home.”